On Monday, we had the pleasure of welcoming OC Dave Hughes (F01) and his wife Elizabeth to Canford, where they delivered an inspiring talk to pupils as part of the Global Connections* program.

Elizabeth first arrived in Rwanda in 2006 after graduating from Vanderbilt University. Driven by a desire to better understand a country that had endured the tragic 1994 genocide—where over a million lives were lost in just 100 days—she witnessed firsthand Rwanda’s efforts to rebuild and redefine its future. By 2006, the nation was aspiring to become a tech hub, following in the footsteps of cities like Singapore.

In 2008, after reading a book about the 1994 genocide, Dave resigned from his job as a chartered surveyor and met Elizabeth in Rwanda, whilst volunteering at the same organisation. Through their work, they met many young women facing immense barriers to education. At the time, fewer than 1% of Rwandans attended university, with even lower rates for women.

Determined to change this reality, Dave and Elizabeth embarked on a journey that tested their resilience. After multiple setbacks and a major fundraising effort, they founded the Akilah Institute in 2010. Offering diploma and certificate programs in fields such as business management and hospitality and tourism management, Akilah began with just 50 students. Yet, the couple remained steadfast in their mission to expand access to higher education for young women.

Fast forward to 2025, and over 6,000 women have now graduated from the Akilah Institute. These graduates are earning 12 times the national average income in Rwanda, with many holding leadership roles as CEOs and entrepreneurs.

But the story doesn’t end there. In 2020, Dave and Elizabeth expanded their vision by launching Davis College, a co-ed institution that welcomes both young men and women, continuing their commitment to education and empowerment. Now, they are further adapting their offering to include a diverse range of bachelor’s degrees in subjects such as psychology, humanities, and literature, ensuring even greater opportunities for future generations.

Aside from setting up the Akilah Institute and Davis College, Dave has been heavily involved with developing rugby in Rwanda. While commuting to work in the capital, he was astonished to spot a group of youngsters playing with a rugby ball on a patch of waste ground.  Intrigued, he made further enquiries and soon became deeply involved in Rwanda’s fledgling rugby scene. He took on multiple roles, playing, coaching, and organising tournaments which helped to grow the sport in a country where football had long dominated. His passion for rugby not only connected him with the local community but also became a platform for fostering teamwork, resilience, and leadership among young Rwandans.

In 2010, Dave took 13 players from Rwanda to Hong Kong to take part in the annual Kowloon RugbyFest. For most of the players, it was not only their first time competing internationally but also their first time seeing the sea and flying on a plane. The experience was transformative, exposing them to a higher level of competition and world-class coaching. Former sevens coach John McKittrick was among those who mentored the team, significantly elevating their skills and deepening their passion for the game.

It was truly wonderful for Canfordians to hear Dave and Elizabeth’s remarkable story of resilience and dedication. Their journey demonstrates the power of perseverance, education, and the impact that positive action can have on shaping lives. Their story serves as a reminder that we, too, can make a meaningful difference through our own choices and contributions, an ethos that lies at the heart of our Global Connections program. Many of us are now eager to visit Rwanda, inspired by the country’s transformation and the incredible work of Dave and Elizabeth. Thank you Dave and Elizabeth!

*What is Global Connections at Canford?

The Canford Global Connections provision is designed to equip Canfordians with the skills and mindset to make a meaningful difference in the world, not only in their own lives but in the lives of others. The programme fosters a deep interest in diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences, encouraging pupils to contribute to a more collaborative and inclusive global society.

Opportunities within Global Connections are woven into the school’s existing EDI and Enrichment provision, integrated into the curriculum, and supported by new initiatives and activities. Education for global citizenship is not a standalone subject but a framework for learning, one that extends beyond the classroom into the wider community. Pupils engage positively with different identities and cultures, challenge stereotypes, and develop a greater awareness of global issues.