“UBUCUTI” once meant friendship. That was the former name of the \u00c9cole Francophone Antoine de Sainte-Exup\u00e9ry. Now standing before the \u00c9cole Francophone Antoine de Sainte-Exup\u00e9ry, you are at Kigali French School. It’s in downtown Kigali. This school serves nursery to upper secondary levels. It has a capacity of 400 students. Today, the school hosts nearly 700 students.
\u00c9cole Francophone Antoine de Sainte-Exup\u00e9ry uses a French curriculum. The Rwandan government also recognizes it. English classes are required. The school teaches in both languages. The school year starts in September. It ends in July.
The \u00c9cole Francophone Antoine de Sainte-Exup\u00e9ry campus has fifteen classrooms. There is a cafeteria, a dining hall, and a laboratory room. You will also find a clinic here. The school provides two libraries. A digital laboratory and two computer labs support learning. Athletic facilities are also available.
The \u00c9cole Francophone Antoine de Sainte-Exup\u00e9ry has a rich history. It was created in 1973. But the school closed from 1994 to 1998. This was due to the Rwandan genocide. In 2006, Rwandan authorities forced the school to close again. This happened after France and Rwanda cut diplomatic ties. The school was given 72 hours to end operations. It closed on November 27, 2006.
Diplomatic relations improved. In 2009, France and Rwanda restored their ties. \u00c9cole Francophone Antoine de Sainte-Exup\u00e9ry reopened in September 2010. At that time, 80% of the students were Rwandan.
The Alumni association was created in 2020. It supports former students. Victor Nkindi is the Alumni President. The Alumni is part of Union-ALFM. This is a global network for former students of French schools.
\u00c9cole Francophone Antoine de Sainte-Exup\u00e9ry is more than just a school. It is a place of resilience. It represents friendship and growth. It welcomes students from 25 countries. The \u00c9cole Francophone Antoine de Sainte-Exup\u00e9ry provides a green environment. It is a vital part of Kigali. It prepares students to be responsible global citizens.