| Country | Rwanda & Burundi |
| Beneficiaries | Low-income communities and students who do not have the resources to pursue higher education within the traditional university system |
| Project Description | The Akilah Institute for Women is the only women’s college in Rwanda and Burundi. Akilah offers a unique model of market-relevant education empowering graduates for success in careers and leadership roles. Students select to major in entrepreneurship, information systems, or hospitality management. 97 percent of Akilah students are the first in their family to attend higher education. The institute aims to build future generations of women leaders and professionals in Africa through the development of a network of campuses. Akilah will graduate 1,200 students by the year 2020 and holds a 95 percent job placement rate for the first two graduating classes. |
| Scope of Legal Assistance | Sidley is assisting Akilah to establish a loan fund to finance projects by students and graduates. |
