Kiva conducts regular, ongoing monitoring of all Lending Partners, but only posts status updates here in response to relevant, major changes at the partner.

Partner description:

Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR) is a hybrid microfinance institution and commercial bank, though a large portion of its portfolio remains in microfinance. BPR was previously owned by the Rwandan government. After the government merged the commercial arm of the Rwandan Development Bank with BPR, BPR became the second largest bank in Rwanda in terms of portfolio size.

BPR is also partnering with Kepler, another Kiva Lending Partner, so it can manage its student loans. Kepler is a nonprofit that offers low-cost, high-quality higher education. Kepler’s curriculum is designed to deliver the skills that students need for a price that all young people with talent can afford, regardless of economic background. In August 2015, Kepler also expanded in Rwanda to serve the Kiziba refugee camp with an initial degree program for 25 students, along with college preparation programs at 2 refugee camps in the country.

BPR has extensive experience managing tuition loans in Rwanda and is the primary financial partner for student loans at Rwanda's state-run universities. Kiva's participation in the BPR and Kepler partnership allows BPR to further lower interest rates for students.

A unique lending approach:

BPR has agreed to manage tuition loans for Kepler at a low interest rate as a corporate social responsibility activity. This partnership will provide students with the real world experience of interfacing with a bank as a borrower and opportunities for hands-on experience in their financial literacy trainings (part of which BPR has agreed to conduct).

The majority of Kepler students come from poor backgrounds and do not have other opportunities for higher learning, despite scoring in the top percentages of national secondary school exams. All Kepler graduates earn a U.S.-accredited degree from Southern New Hampshire University and practice skills they need to succeed over the course of their careers, including critical thinking, data analysis and giving presentations.

Students are required to participate in work study and structured internships, designed in partnership with local employers. Outside research shows that Kepler students significantly outperform students at other Rwandan universities in all academic measures. More than 80% of students who began studies in 2013 already have full time jobs, even before finishing their degrees, and 100% are on track to be employed by the time that they graduate.

Kepler, another Kiva partner, has partnered with BPR so that the latter can manage student loans for Kepler. While Kepler's neediest and most exemplary students will receive scholarship support, most students are required to pay back a certain part of their education with Kepler in order to ensure the organization's sustainability. BPR has extensive experience managing tuition loans in Rwanda and is offering Kepler students below-market rates to recognize their potential.

All Kepler graduates earn a degree from partner Southern New Hampshire University — a credential that gives students an advantage in the job market. 98% Kepler students earned their AA within 2 years, as compared with under 5% at community colleges in the United States. The Kepler program is highly pragmatic, focusing on providing students the skills they need to succeed over the course of their careers, including critical thinking, data analysis, and presentation — all skills that are largely missing from other universities in Rwanda and in the region. All Kepler students are required to participate in work study and structured internships, designed in partnership with local employers. The majority of Kepler students come from poor backgrounds and do not have other opportunities for higher learning, despite scoring in the top percentages of national secondary school exams.