KIGALI, RWANDA – KICS was first mentioned in Missions Box News on 10 November 2020 in an article entitled “ROC Partners – Fulfilling a Vision for Rwanda.” The article was an overview of the Rwanda Outreach and Community Foundation and their ministry to the people of Rwanda.

We concluded that article with a promise to share more about KICS, the Kigali International Community School, which is jointly operated by ROC Partners and B2THEWORLD. Today, we fulfill that commitment.

KICS was originally established to meet the educational needs of several expatriate Christian families living in Rwanda. When KICS was launched in September 2006, its facilities were a makeshift arrangement that might best be described as a home/school cooperative in a cluster adjoining a four-bedroom house that had been used by Food for the Hungry.

Today, the school serves as a model for B2THEWORLD’s vision to create educational institutions across Africa “that meet the needs of families and societies” in the countries and communities where they are established. Like KICS, future schools will follow the pattern of being Christ-centered while being culturally and educationally relevant.

KICS’ growth has been impressive despite difficult circumstances. Beginning with just 45 students in 2006, enrollment had risen to more than 200 by 2008. In 2012, KICS received U.S. accreditation by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and the MSA (Middle States Association).

Not only does the K-12 school serve as a model for future Christ-centered schools across Africa, but it also sets a high standard as an example for all schools in Rwanda and its neighbors.

• The school has a 7:1 student/teacher ratio with an enrollment of 317
• Nearly 40% of the faculty hold master’s or doctorate degrees.
• 100% of all graduates who have applied for admission to college or university have been accepted. KICS graduates are currently enrolled in 16 different universities in five different countries. In 2019, a KICS graduate was accepted at MIT

The school provides state-of-the-art facilities that include a comprehensive library (open to the public), a first-class science lab, a computer lab, media centers, and a piano studio.

KICS is considered “the most technologically-advanced school in Rwanda.” Even more significant, the teaching emphasis of a Biblical worldview couches computer instruction within the framework of Christian digital citizenship.

A visit to the KICS website’s “Facilities” page is impressive. Not because of the facilities themselves, but because the most prominent information about each member of the facilities staff is their favorite Scripture. Not only is that some of the proof in the pudding, but it offers some subtle insight into favorite Scriptures of Christians far removed from American culture. Those favorite verses include:

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it, we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” Philippians 3:20-21.

“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29.

“The Lord will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. And he will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 28:8.

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” Psalm 125:1.

“And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'” Job 28:28.

“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you, I wait all day long.” Psalm 25:5.

Those favorite verses of security guards and maintenance staff indicate a relationship with Christ that is much more than skin-deep. What a blessing it must be to be a student and KICS surrounded by people who evidence such great love for the Lord.

The vision of KICS is to impact the world for Christ by preparing servant-leaders who choose

• character before career
• wisdom beyond scholarship
• service above self
• a lifestyle of participation over apathy

It appears that the Lord is enabling and empowering that vision.

Read more news on Rwanda and World Missions on Missions Box.