Inside Glorious Academy: A Preschool in Rwanda Bringing Hope to Vulnerable Children

Ashland Watson
Aug 27
3 min read

In June, our team traveled with Cornerstone Church to Rwanda, and one of the most impactful moments of the trip was our visit to Glorious Academy in Musanze. This Christ-centered preschool, founded by Pastor Eunice Kendi Hakizimana, is a place where faith, education, and love come together to transform lives.

Pastor Kendi, alongside her husband Bishop Pacifique, leads with a vision that goes far beyond academics. At Glorious Academy, vulnerable children not only receive quality education but also daily nutrition, worship, and a safe environment where they are reminded they are deeply loved and valued.

A Joyful Welcome into Glorious Academy

The moment we stepped through the doors, we could feel the love and energy that filled this preschool. Pastor Kendi gave us a tour of the classrooms, sharing her heart for the children and the dreams she carries for the school’s future.

Soon, the children poured out to meet us. They held our hands, giggled, and pulled us into their games. Their joy was infectious. We played together outside, their laughter ringing through the air as they ran, jumped, and smiled with abandon.

Songs, Worship, and Prayer

After playtime, the children gathered in one large room and began to sing. Their voices filled the space with songs like Fruit of the Spirit and Under the Mango Tree. These weren’t just children’s songs, they were acts of worship, full of life and truth.

We joined them in singing, clapping, and worshiping together. It was a holy moment, one of those times where you realize that joy and faith transcend language and culture.

Afterward, we were invited to pray over the children. We laid hands on them, asking God to protect and guide their futures. Praying together in that room, surrounded by smiling faces, felt like being part of something eternal.

A School Meeting Real Needs

Beyond the joy, Glorious Academy is addressing real and urgent needs for vulnerable children. Many come from single-parent households or families facing deep poverty. Here, they are not only educated but also nourished.

Through the Kingdom Nutrition Partnership, the children receive breakfast and lunch each day. For some, these meals are the only reliable food they have. Watching the children gather around their plates, sharing laughter and conversation, showed us just how life-changing something as simple as a meal can be.

Stars That Shine Bright

We also learned about the Star Program, which allows donors to “sponsor a Star” a child enrolled at Glorious Academy. Sponsorship covers tuition, uniforms, school supplies, and daily meals.

Pastor Kendi often describes sponsors as “Stargazers” people who help these vulnerable children shine by giving them stability, hope, and the chance to succeed in school and life.

A Dream for the Future

Though Glorious Academy is already making an incredible impact, Pastor Kendi dreams of more. She has found land and is praying for the resources to build a larger school where even more children can be welcomed.

Her vision is bold, but her faith is bigger. She believes that every child in Musanze deserves the chance to grow in knowledge, faith, and love.

Sharing a Meal

Our time at Glorious Academy ended the way it began... with hospitality. After spending the afternoon with the children, Pastor Kendi invited us to share a delicious meal. Around the table, we reflected on all we had seen and experienced. It was yet another reminder of how deeply this ministry is rooted in community, generosity, and love.

How You Can Be Part of the Story

Visiting Glorious Academy was unforgettable. We came hoping to encourage the children, but we left feeling encouraged ourselves. Pastor Kendi and Bishop Pacifique are building more than a school; they are building hope for the future of Rwanda.

How can you join the story?

Join the Circle: Support leaders like Pastor Kendi by joining The Circle and selecting Rwanda when you give. Make sure to note "Glorious Academy" in the notes.

Your gift, whether $10 or $100, helps bring education, nutrition, and the love of Jesus to vulnerable children in Rwanda.

Our Time in Rwanda

Glorious Academy was only one of our days in Rwanda, we also spent time at the School of the Blind and many other locations. Take a peek below on some of the things we did.