The aim of the plus-STEM programme at Ntare Louisenlund Rwanda is to identify top talents across the country and to bring them together in a centre of excellence for young people. MINEDUC pre-selects these talented, accomplished students. In this context, around 300 girls and boys are to be preselected for the 80 scholarships to be allocated each year. This will be followed by five regional selection rounds (across two days each with 60 children each). The top 80 students will then be offered a placement by Ntare Louisenlund School.

A further unique selling point is the fact that Ntare Louisenlund Rwanda is the first school outside Germany to implement the concept of a junior academy for top talents in STEM subjects and work closely with “Verein zur MINT-Talentförderung e.V.” [Association for the Promotion of STEM Talent] in Germany, which has developed and licenses the programme. Plus-STEM works with companies, universities and scientific institutions. Students work on their own research projects in the spirit of personalized, inquiry-based learning.

• MINEDUC pre-selection process
• 80 scholarships to be allocated
• first school in Africa to implement the concept for plus-STEM Excellence
• personalized, inquiry-based learning
• state-of-the-art laboratories
• character-building learning environment

Access to the programme is independent of the family’s socioeconomic background. There is a three-stage application process for admission. The relevant criteria are talent, a willingness to perform and team spirit. The contribution payable by the parents is income-based and scholarships are funded by the Rwandan government.

Corporate partners contribute to the programme by providing insights into their own research and development activities, taking on personal mentorships and supporting projects. Inspiration is fuelled by a fascination with and the challenge of authentic tasks for promoting innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in Germany and bringing real solutions to real-world problems affecting real people.

Talent is developed in a character-building learning environment within a strong community. The educational mission consists of responsibility, viability, leadership, global mindedness, diversity, and creativity and also includes exposure to sport, music, art and theatre.

Plus-STEM entails a unique, integrated educational programme for future top achievers and leaders. The programme will thus contribute to strengthening Rwanda as a country of education and innovation and development across East Africa.