Financial Savvy Pays Off for Winning Students in Rwanda Contest

The team, called Nitwe Gusa, took first place in the third edition of the “Money Makeover Challenge,” organized by iDebate Rwanda in partnership with BK Foundation. The competition formed part of the 10th annual Dreamers Camp Academy, a 10-day retreat that drew more than 400 students from across the country during the school holiday.

The challenge tasked teams of three with designing a plan to help a fictional young woman, fresh out of high school, who was 150,000 Rwandan francs in debt and spending all her income on nonessential activities. Using a budget of 300,000 francs, participants had to develop a business project that would generate enough income for her to repay the debt and save 400,000 francs for a laptop before starting university.

Nitwe Gusa proposed two projects — pig farming and making fashion accessories — with the latter winning them the 600,000 franc prize.

“Often, as young people, we face the challenge of not knowing how to manage our money,” said Niyonsenga Mbimbura, a senior six student on the winning team. “Participating in Money Makeover gives us practical skills we can apply in real life, so that whenever you face a financial problem, you can navigate it without difficulty.”

For some students, the competition’s benefits went beyond financial skills. Laurick Imanzi, whose team placed second, said it helped him overcome a fear of public speaking.
“Before joining Dreamers Camp Academy, I wasn’t used to speaking in public,” he said. “Now I can stand in front of a large audience without fear.”

iDebate Rwanda’s programs manager, Keza Ketsia, said bringing young people together during the holidays fosters both learning and confidence.
“We’ve seen students arrive quiet and reserved, but after 10 days they’re speaking to their peers and addressing audiences of 200 to 300,” she said.

BK Foundation’s capacity-building officer, Regis Iyumva, said the program is helping close a knowledge gap in financial literacy.
“We know there’s a big gap in Rwanda, and we’re doing what we can to ensure the younger generation closes it,” he said.

Since launching in 2012, iDebate’s programs have helped students build self-confidence and public-speaking skills. Rwandan teams have gone on to win continental debate championships, including the Africa title in 2017 and the East Africa crown in 2019, and reached the semifinals at the Africa level in 2023.