Director’s Message

When you really take a look at the creation and existence of the universe it is impossible not to stop and be in awe of that which can be seen and understood of God and His creation. Truly the heavens declare the handiwork of God. History shows the story of the world both with its tragedies and victories. Truths like love, mercy, reconciliation, forgiveness, courage, perseverance have always triumphed over adversity, hate and discrimination.

The Christian commitment to truth includes numerous virtues that should populate every community on every continent, in every country and amongst all citizens of the world. There is a purpose to creation and every individual must spend time sooner rather than later to answer the existential questions:

• Where do I come from?
• Why am I here?
• Who am I?
• Where am I going?

In every home these are questions that parents must answer as well as encourage their children to start answering. The home is God’s engine room that generates security for little ones to learn trust, test competency, challenge ideas, find security, enjoy intimacy and become independent in purpose. God created mankind in His image not to become mundane but to be unique and purposeful in every aspect of life. God in us is the hope of glory.

This brings me to Rwanda. A people that understand adversity and tragedies and yet have emerged as an example of what the Lord Jesus spoke about when He said that “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Amahoro y’Imana - God’s peace is not found in a building but in the hearts of man. It is only Immanuel - God with us, that allows us to comfort others with the peace that we have from God. We find peace in answering the existential question of who am I?

This is where Kigali International Community School finds its value proposition. KICS is a school that acts in loco parentis (in the place of the parent) . We want every child of Kigali to be in our school so that the chosen KICS staff can scaffold each child to answer the existential questions of life and find their God given purpose. Remember that it is God’s purpose in creation that His creation brings Him pleasure as we enjoy Him. Every child is different and we must meet them where they are and take them on a journey of discovery from their hometown to the heavens and back as they learn and find contentment and satisfaction in fulfilling their own destiny.

Truly it is better to give than to receive and the greatest amongst God’s people have always been the servants of a nation. The question of who I am should not be defined by a job description but rather by a character that is good and strong in Godly ways. Self control or discipline is key to success and as the wise man Solomon wrote, “He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.” We must inculcate into our children a self discipline and critical thinking mindset so that they are well equipped to answer the existential questions of life. KICS is a greenhouse where our learners can explore the answers of life and just as iron sharpens iron so we too will sharpen each other.

May God bless our plans as we expect great things from Him and attempt great things for Him.

Together we will be the difference that our community needs.

Dr. Dean Verwey