Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Small messages, lasting lessons: What Henriette Mbabazi learned from reading wellness posts

Nsabimana Bonaventure — 2026-10-15T08:56:23Z

For a long time, the fear of failure, the desire to be accepted by others and the pressure to meet expectations influenced how Henriette approached life. However, a series of wellness posts shared by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwannda gradually changed her perspective, encouraging her to reflect more deeply on her personal choices, relationships and self-worth.

What initially seemed like ordinary posts to read became valuable lessons that challenged her to reconsider her everyday decisions and develop a healthier relationship with herself and others.
Henriette Mbabazi is a University of Rwanda student and Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Rwanda pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Information Technology, year four.

“Sometimes, a few words can change the way we see ourselves and the choices we make in life,” Henriette says. “I started reading the wellness posts without expecting much, but each one gave me something to think about and apply in my daily life.”

One of the first lessons that stood out to Henriette was the importance of everyday choices and how they shape the future. From friendships and social activities to time management, the message encouraged her to become more intentional about her decisions.

She came to understand that personal growth does not happen overnight. Instead, it is influenced by small, consistent decisions that gradually shape the direction of one's life.
“I realised that life is full of choices, even in the smallest moments. The decisions we make today can influence the future we build for ourselves,” Henriette says.

The lesson also reinforced the importance of discipline, not as a restriction on enjoying life, but as a way of balancing personal interests with responsibilities and long-term goals.
For Henriette, discipline means remaining focused, living according to her values and resisting pressure to engage in activities that conflict with those values.

Through wellness posts, Henriette has learned that personal growth begins with where you are and the intentional choices you make about who you want to become.

Another wellness post that left a lasting impression on her focused on the power of positive thinking.
Previously, Henriette often approached new opportunities by focusing on what could go wrong. The fear of failure or making the wrong decision sometimes created doubt before she had even tried.
However, the messages offered a different perspective: setbacks do not necessarily signify defeat; they can provide opportunities to learn, improve and try again.

“I used to focus on negative outcomes whenever I wanted to try something new. I would ask myself, ‘What if I fail?' But I am learning that I do not always have to expect the worst,” Henriette explains.
This change in perspective has encouraged her to believe in herself, remain patient when facing challenges and become more willing to learn from experience.

Rather than allowing uncertainty to prevent her from moving forward, Henriette is learning to focus on what she can control and view mistakes as part of personal development.

Belonging should not cost your identity

Another powerful lesson came from a post about breaking free from the need to earn love and acceptance.
The statement, “If I become more successful, maybe they will finally love or accept me,” prompted Henriette to reflect on how people sometimes change their personalities, hide their true selves or compromise their values in an attempt to fit in.

The message resonated with her because the desire to belong can sometimes lead people to prioritise others' approval over their own well-being.
“I learned that I should be myself instead of changing my personality just to fit into someone else's life or gain acceptance from a friend or anyone else,” Henriette says.

The reflection also highlighted the importance of healthy friendships and relationships built on mutual respect rather than pressure to conform.
For Henriette, genuine friendship should not require anyone to abandon their principles or participate in activities that make them uncomfortable simply to be accepted.

She believes that belonging should never come at the expense of one's identity, values or personal well-being.

Learning to set boundaries

The wellness posts also challenged Henriette to reconsider the habit of pleasing others at the expense of her own needs.

The desire not to disappoint people can make it difficult to decline requests, even when doing so means sacrificing time, energy or personal comfort. Over time, this can leave little room for one's own well-being.

Through the posts, Henriette learned that setting boundaries is not selfish. Rather, it is an important part of maintaining healthy relationships and taking care of oneself.

“I learned that saying no does not make me a bad person. If I am tired, I have the right to rest, and if I am uncomfortable doing something, I have the right to decline,” she says.

This lesson has encouraged her to adopt a more balanced approach to helping others, recognising the importance of supporting people without neglecting her own needs.

As Henriette puts it, “I cannot keep giving to others while completely neglecting myself. I cannot pour from an empty cup.”

Appreciating personal growth

Beyond relationships and decision-making, the wellness posts also encouraged Henriette to appreciate her personal progress.

The pressure to achieve more can sometimes make people overlook how far they have come. Comparing oneself with others can further diminish the value of individual efforts and milestones.
Henriette has come to understand that recognising progress is an essential part of personal growth.
“I have learned that whenever I accomplish something meaningful, I should be proud of myself. I should speak kindly to myself, recognise my efforts and celebrate my progress, even when the journey is not complete,” she says.

For Henriette, self-appreciation is not about considering oneself superior to others. It is about acknowledging personal effort, recognising growth and extending the same kindness to oneself that one would offer to a friend.

This understanding has reinforced the importance of self-discovery and accepting that every person's journey unfolds differently.

Small messages, meaningful change

One of the wellness post messages shared with University community to raise awareness and enhance understanding on mental health.

Looking back, Henriette says the wellness posts have offered more than advice. They have provided opportunities to reflect, question old habits and embrace new perspectives on life.

From making intentional choices and practising discipline to developing a positive mindset, maintaining personal boundaries and appreciating individual progress, each message has contributed to her broader understanding of personal well-being.

Her experience demonstrates how simple, accessible wellness messages can encourage meaningful reflection and support personal development.

For Henriette, the most important lesson is that growth begins with understanding oneself, recognising areas for improvement and making conscious efforts to become better.

“Most importantly, I have learned to remain true to myself, value my progress and make choices that reflect the person I want to become,” Henriette says.

To access mental health Wellness Post Messages, please visit our Psychosocial Support System on https://upss.ur.ac.rw/resources

Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda sharpen leadership skills at Nkumba Ubutore Development Centre

Nsabimana Bonaventure — 2026-09-07T10:45:54Z

Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda have been challenged to combine knowledge with a spirit of service to become transformative leaders.

The call was made during a week-long Summer Camp at the Nkumba Ubutore Development Centre in Burera District, which took place from 28 August to 5 September 2026.

Held under the theme “Raising the Next Generation of Transformational Leaders,” the camp brought together more than 600 Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda for training, transformative learning, and networking.

The camp was organised to promote personal growth, leadership development, community engagement, physical and mental well-being, creativity, entrepreneurship, and employability, while preparing Mastercard Foundation Scholars to make meaningful contributions to society.

Speaking at the opening session, the Governor of the Northern Province, Mugabowagahunde Maurice, said academic success alone was not enough to prepare young people for leadership.
“We want future leaders to be transformative. A leader is a leader with transformation,” the Governor said.

He urged Mastercard Foundation Scholars to avoid influences that can derail young leaders, citing indiscipline, laziness, and substance abuse.

“You need knowledge, but knowledge alone won't be enough. You need wisdom and good character as well. Let the knowledge you acquire guide you to become real transformative leaders,” he advised.
Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration at the University of Rwanda, said leadership is not simply an innate trait but a capability that can be developed.

“Our belief is that leadership is a trainable and learnable skill that can be developed over time,” Ndikumana remarked.

He urged Mastercard Foundation Scholars to embrace discipline, humility, and unity as they develop their leadership abilities.

“Everything that you do must be rooted in unity and discipline. Without discipline, you cannot be a transformative leader. If you want to be one, just be humble. You have a long journey, but you need confidence that goes with discipline and humility.”

A partnership for transformation

The camp is part of a 10-year partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Rwanda through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Associate Professor Anne Marie Kagwesage, Director of the Program at the University of Rwanda, said the initiative aims to support 1,400 academically talented students who face social and economic barriers. So far, 38 Mastercard Foundation Scholars have graduated, while 970 have been enrolled from 13 African countries.

“These students are academically talented and selected to grow into ethical, transformative leaders driving change in Rwanda and across Africa,” Prof. Kagwesage explained. “Leadership is not about titles, it's about mindset. Giving back is the core of the program.”

She said the camp focuses on building confidence and resilience, leadership development, community service, and networking among Mastercard Foundation Scholars from different campuses.

Ruth Mukakimenyi, Lead of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Partner Networks, said the partnership is focused on developing young people who can contribute to society now and in the future.

“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is more than a scholarship. It is a journey of transformation,” she added. “At its core, the partnership is built on the shared belief that young people are not merely leaders of tomorrow, but leaders of today,” Mukakimenyi stated.

She identified five pillars of transformational leadership: purpose and vision, service to others, innovation and problem-solving, integrity and accountability, and resilience in the face of challenges.

“Leadership is not something that begins after graduation. It begins now, in how you engage with others during this camp, how you respond to challenges, and how you choose to use your talents and opportunities,” she reminded the Mastercard Foundation Scholars.

Building an elite mindset

Throughout the camp, Mastercard Foundation Scholars participated in sessions designed to strengthen their leadership, personal development, and professional skills.
Topics covered included unity and leadership, entrepreneurship and employability skills, and the role of local government in driving transformational change.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars also explored mental wellness for academic success, developing an elite mindset, with a focus on discipline, patriotism, and heroism, the culture of investment and saving, and many other topics.

Across the sessions, a number of key messages emerged. Mastercard Foundation Scholars were encouraged to leave a legacy and become role models, recognising that their actions today can influence others and contribute to the future of their communities.

Discipline was repeatedly emphasised as a foundation for success, with a reminder that without discipline, dreams remain mere imaginations. Mastercard Foundation Scholars were also encouraged to practise service before self and to use their time responsibly.

Another key message was the importance of choosing the right networks and avoiding negative peer pressure. Mastercard Foundation Scholars were encouraged to move beyond simply identifying problems in their communities and instead take action to address them.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars were further reminded that transformation is not a finished process but a continuous responsibility. It was likened to a relay race in which each generation has a role to play in carrying the baton forward.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars commit to leadership and discipline

Samuel Bimenyimana, an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering student at the University of Rwanda's College of Science and Technology, said the camp had reinforced the importance of discipline alongside academic knowledge.

“I am learning time management, the importance of waking up early, and discipline. I've realised that knowledge is not enough; we need to embrace discipline, positive values, and go beyond self,” Bimenyimana said.

The camp also included community service. On 29 August, Mastercard Foundation Scholars joined residents of Burera to support the construction of a house for a vulnerable resident in Kinoni Sector, Burera District.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars also conducted screenings for non-communicable diseases in the community and held community talks on combating the use of illicit alcohol, particularly among young people.

Hala Waleed Makki, a first-year medical student from Sudan, said the community engagement experience had broadened her understanding of the importance of serving communities.
“Helping the community has been such a wonderful experience. It makes me feel better to help people,” she said.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascene, said building the country begins with individual responsibility, unity, and collective action.

While officially closing the Summer Camp, Associate Professor Kayihura Muganga Didace, Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, urged participants to embrace leadership as a personal responsibility rather than something limited to a particular position or profession.

“Leadership begins with you, regardless of your field or position. Lead through action, learn from others, and always do what is right,” he said.

Prof. Kayihura encouraged the Mastercard Foundation Scholars to demonstrate leadership through their daily actions, remain open to learning from those around them, and uphold integrity and responsible decision-making in their respective fields.