On January 22, the extended family of Ahazaza Non-Government Organization gathered to honor the remarkable legacy of its founder, Raina Luff, as they concluded the mourning period following her recent passing.
The ceremony, attended by Raina Luff’s three children, board members, parent representatives, teachers, students, and other guests, was a heartfelt tribute to her enduring impact.
It featured messages reflecting on the legacy she left behind, as well as traditional Rwandan cultural performances by students, including vibrant dances that celebrated the nation’s heritage.
The event also marked a significant milestone for the organization, as Richard Luff, Raina’s eldest son, was formally introduced as the new President of Ahazaza NGO, following his election by the General Assembly held on January 22, 2025.
In an exclusive interview with ICK News, Richard Luff shared insights into his journey with Ahazaza and his plans for its future.
“From the very first day of Ahazaza in 2006, I have been deeply involved,” said Richard.
He explained how he founded the Friends of Ahazaza in Brussels, an organization that supports the school’s pedagogical initiatives and finances. “I have been actively engaged in both educational and financial aspects of Ahazaza,” he added.
Richard expressed confidence in the strength of the organization’s board and advancements in technology. “The board demonstrated exceptional leadership during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when my mother spent much of her time in Belgium due to health issues,” he said.
Immediate and long-term goals
Richard outlined a clear set of objectives for his tenure, starting with ensuring a seamless transition in leadership.
“My immediate goal is to maintain continuity in the absence of our founding president and to ensure the school continues to develop as it has in the past,” he said underscoring the importance of preserving the school’s values.
Looking to the future, Richard envisions modernizing Ahazaza Independent School. “I aim to bring the school into the 21st century by digitalizing its operations, aligning it with the best schools in Kigali and beyond,” he stated.
His focus includes maintaining academic excellence, and upholding the school’s founding principles.
The 12 Guiding Principles Established by Raina Luff
Before her passing, Raina Luff, together with her family, articulated 12 guiding principles to define Ahazaza’s mission and shape its future. These principles continue to serve as the foundation of the school’s philosophy, ensuring its enduring commitment to excellence and equity in education.
Ahazaza School is founded on the belief that every child possesses the innate potential for growth and intelligence, which must be nurtured to foster personal development and contribute to societal progress. The school is steadfast in its mission to cultivate future citizens who value individual freedom and uphold the rights of others.
Through its holistic approach to education, Ahazaza empowers students to think critically, explore their full potential, and become well-rounded, thoughtful individuals. Its curriculum offers immersive instruction in English, French, and Kinyarwanda, emphasizing multilingualism as a cornerstone of intellectual growth. The school champions knowledge grounded in science and logical reasoning while integrating sports and Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage as essential tools for promoting openness, tolerance, and respect.
As a secular institution, Ahazaza adheres to strict neutrality in religious matters, ensuring an inclusive environment where students’ diverse beliefs are respected without the influence of proselytizing. The school is equally committed to equity, treating all children with fairness and impartiality, regardless of social class, gender, religion, or nationality.
Operating as a non-profit organization, Ahazaza prioritizes access to education by providing scholarships to underprivileged students, removing financial barriers and enabling them to benefit from high-quality learning opportunities. The school’s dedication to rigorous and transparent financial management ensures long-term sustainability and compliance with all legal and ethical standards.
At the heart of Ahazaza’s success is its team of highly qualified educators, who receive continuous professional development to uphold the highest standards in education delivery.
Richard stressed the importance of preserving these principles, particularly the core values embedded in the school’s logo: Listen, Think, Know, and Act.
As the school approaches its 20th anniversary, Richard reflected on its remarkable growth and achievements.
“The greatest success is that the school was established in Muhanga, not Kigali. It started with just five students and now serves 594. Today, it ranks among the top ten schools nationwide in academic performance,” he said proudly.
He called upon the Ahazaza community to unite around shared values to build a strong and cohesive institution. “Our goal isn’t to be the first but to be the best. Excellence comes from upholding our values of tolerance, respect, knowledge, and action,” he concluded.
Insights from Parents and Teachers
Representing the staff of Ahazaza Independent School, Interim Director Flavien Muhire conveyed heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Richard Luff on his election as the new President of Ahazaza NGO. “This is a remarkable achievement, and we are confident that his leadership will continue to propel the organization toward even greater success in fulfilling its mission,” he stated.
He further emphasized his enthusiasm in his capacity as acting director, remarking, “I am eager to foster a strong and collaborative relationship with Mr. Luff as we work together to further the goals of the NGO and our school. We are excited about the opportunity to contribute to Ahazaza’s continued growth and positive impact under his guidance. We wish Mr. Luff all the best in his new role and look forward to a productive and successful partnership in the years ahead.”
Dr. Marie Paul Dusingize, President of the Parents’ Association at Ahazaza Independent School, shared her thoughts saying “We are delighted by his election. Our request is simple: to follow in the footsteps of Madam Raina in every aspect, and even surpass her achievements, as education and teaching evolve with time and technology.”
