The week was more than just an orientation; it was a comprehensive initiation into the RCA way of life. Under the theme "Building Foundations for Excellence," the program focused on equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset required to thrive in our intensive learning environment and contribute to Rwanda’s digital transformation.
A Week of Orientation, Inspiration, and Integration
The induction kicked off on Monday with a formal welcome address from the Principal, who illuminated RCA's compelling mission and vision. Students were taken on a comprehensive campus tour, familiarizing themselves with the state-of-the-art labs, library, and dormitories that will be their home for the next three years. Ice-breaking sessions helped break down barriers, fostering early bonds of friendship and teamwork among the new students.
Dr. Niyigena Papias, the principal of RCA, addresses the new students
Day two was dedicated to Academic Excellence. Instructors from all departments engaged students in detailed presentations on the academic roadmap, covering the exciting courses in Software Programming, Embedded Systems, and Cybersecurity. Critical sessions on the grading system, attendance requirements, and the Academy's strict policy on academic integrity underscored the importance of discipline and hard work from day one.
Mr. Egide Nsabyimana, Instructor at RCA, delivers an important orientation session, briefing new students on the internal rules and regulations at Rwanda Coding Academy
On Wednesday, the focus shifted to Discipline and Student Life. The discipline office provided a clear briefing on the code of conduct, emphasizing values of respect, punctuality, and responsibility. Students also learned about the extensive support systems available, including counselling services and the vibrant array of extracurricular activities, clubs, and innovation labs that are central to the holistic RCA experience.
The fourth day opened the students' eyes to the RCA Learning Environment and Opportunities. Facilitators led dynamic workshops on collaboration and leadership, showcasing the academy's culture of innovation through past student projects. Students left inspired by talks on hackathons, coding boot camps, and potential internship opportunities with industry partners, understanding the practical pathways that lie ahead.
The week culminated on Friday with a day of Reflection and Commitment. In a powerful session, students reflected on their learnings and pledged to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and personal discipline. The induction week concluded with the most exciting moment-the distribution of brand-new laptops to every new student. This essential tool will empower them to dive into their coding projects, research, and assignments from the very start, embodying the academy's commitment to providing world-class resources for hands-on learning.
Foundation for the Future
The 2025 Induction Week was a resounding success, achieving its core objectives:
- New students gained a deep understanding of RCA’s mission, vision, and values.
- They are now fully aware of the academic and disciplinary frameworks that guide student life.
- A strong sense of belonging and community was built, connecting fresh students with staff, continuing students, and their peers.
We extend our gratitude to the Principal, all academic staff, the discipline team, student leaders, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make this induction a transformative experience for our new students.
The entire RCA community is immensely proud to welcome the Class of 2025. We are confident that they are now well-prepared, motivated, and aligned with our vision to become a center of excellence in coding and digital innovation in Africa. The journey has just begun, and we cannot wait to see the incredible things they will achieve.
Welcome to the Family!
