One of the Missions of a Mennaisian School is the Holistic Development of the Human Person. On February 13th and 20th, 2026, the Saint John Paul II Primary School in Mbugangali organized a Study Trip to the National Parliament of Rwanda in Kigali for Primary School Children (Grades 4-6): 430 Children participated in Two Groups.
The Goal was to gain a better Understanding of the Three Branches of Government in a Democratic Country. At Parliament, they were welcomed by Three Members of the Education, Sports, and Culture Committee. Those Members explained to the Children the History of the Rwandan Parliament, its Composition, and its Functions. It’s worth noting that the Rwandan Parliament has the Highest Percentage of Female Members in the World, at 63.57%. The Members gave the Children ample time to ask all their Questions!
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At the National Parliament, Kigali
After visiting the Parliament, we went to visit the National Museum for the Liberation and the Stopping of the Genocide against the Tutsis of 1994. That allowed the Children to immerse themselves in the History of the Country, the Danger of Hatred and the Importance of promoting Values such as: Unity, Reconciliation, Patriotism, Heroism, and Resilience etc.
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Visit of the National Museum for the Liberation and the Stopping of the Genocide
Jean Marie de La Mennais told the Brothers: “You will become Saints by making Saints of the Souls entrusted to you.” That was achieved through various Spiritual Activities in which everyone participated. The Saint John Paul II School in Mbugangali has chosen to entrust Religious Education to the Brothers in order to provide Children with a Sound Religious Education from a Young Age.
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Ash Wednesday Mass at the Parish of Mbugangali
In addition to that, there are Catechism Classes within the School, which prepare Children for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation). Regular Eucharistic Celebrations are held there: at the Beginning of each Term, on the Ash Wednesday, during Catholic Education Week, etc. Together, the Children and Staff prepared and led the Entire Liturgy (Singing, Altar Servers, Readers, Ushers, etc.).
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Arrival and Time for Reflection at the Brothers’ Chapel.
During Key Moments in the Church Calendar, Retreats for All School Staff are organized, including a time for Teaching, a time for Reflection or Meditation, a time for Adoration, Confession/Penance, Mass, and concluding with a Fraternal Meal. This year it took place on February 28th, 2026, at the Nyundo Community. Father Ngendahayo Laurent, the Preacher, chose the Theme: “On the Way to Easter.” He invited his Congregation to embark on that Journey, following in the Footsteps of Jesus who always told us, “Learn from Me.” (Matthew 11:29b)
Ash Wednesday Mass at the Parish of Mbugangali. Even the Kindergarten was there.
News compiled by Bro. Damien Habimana.