Former students of the Institut Catholique de Kabagyi (ICK), particularly from the Faculty of Education, have called on current students to prioritize acquiring knowledge over merely chasing high grades.

This message was delivered during an interactive session held as part of an alumni visit aimed at sharing professional experiences with current students.

The alumni encouraged their juniors to embrace academic integrity, hard work, and a genuine thirst for learning—qualities they emphasized as key to success beyond the classroom.

The visiting alumni included Sinderibuye Jean de Dieu, currently in charge of student discipline at APAPEC; Sr. Marie Grace Mukeshimana, a school head teacher in Kamonyi; Ishimwe Joseph, a teacher at College Sainte Marie Reine Gitarama; Alex Ndayizeye, a teacher in Nyaruguru District; and Tharcissie Musesayose, a teacher at GS Gitarama.

Their discussions revolved around their academic journeys at ICK and how the foundation they received helped them transition into the teaching profession.

While they commended the quality of education at ICK, they noted that it required dedication, discipline, and a deep commitment to learning.

Sinderibuye Jean de Dieu, one of the top-performing alumni, remarked, “When you choose to pursue education, you must do so with purpose. My goal was not just to earn a degree, but to acquire knowledge, and ICK provided me with a wealth of it that sharpened my critical thinking skills.”

He stressed that meaningful knowledge is only attainable through hard work and intentionality, “You must first know what you want, then identify what it takes to achieve it. Only then can you fully commit to the effort required.”

Sinderibuye also cautioned students against seeking grades they haven’t earned, reminding them that in the job market, practical knowledge and competence outweigh academic transcripts with inflated marks.

Tharcissie Musesayose echoed similar sentiments, stating that although the teaching profession comes with its own set of challenges, the skills she gained at ICK have equipped her to face them confidently, “That’s why students should take every subject seriously, because what they learn now will be their tools to overcome future professional obstacles.”

The alumni also underscored the importance of field practicum (internships), encouraging students to treat them as vital preparation for the workplace.

Sr. Marie Grace Mukeshimana who leads GS St Albert Nyarubaka emphasized, “Those who excel during their internships often stand a higher chance of being employed immediately after graduation.”

She, like her peers, reaffirmed that choosing to study education is a smart and rewarding decision, as the field offers numerous opportunities. She urged students not to regret their choice, but rather to embrace it with purpose.

Students who attended the session expressed gratitude, noting that the discussions were both enlightening and inspiring.

Nshimiyimana Phillipe, a student in the English and Kiswahili program, shared, “We gained insight into challenges we hadn’t anticipated in our future careers. Most importantly, we were shown how to use the knowledge we acquire now to navigate those challenges later.”

Mbabazi Fossette, a first-year student in Geography and History, said the session confirmed that she had made the right choice by enrolling in education at ICK, “From what the alumni told us, it’s clear that many of them landed jobs soon after graduation thanks to the strong education they received here. That motivates me to study with a clear goal, so I can finish with the same success—or even better, with excellent grades that might earn me recognition or rewards like they did.”

Representing ICK, Rutsibuka Innocent, a lecturer and Head of Department in charge of career guidance at ICK —affirmed that inviting alumni to engage with students is a deliberate initiative to help current learners prepare confidently for the labor market.

He said “It’s about passing on practical experience and guidance that bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world application.”

This visit marked the second such alumni-led mentoring event organized by ICK. The first, held earlier this year on January 17, involved graduates from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies. These engagements are part of a broader initiative by the institute to strengthen ties between alumni and current students, equipping learners with the insights they need to navigate their future careers.

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