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Transforming Lives: How Boyz to Kings Empowers Youth Across Continents

In the heart of urban communities and now expanding internationally, a groundbreaking mentorship program is rewriting the narrative for at-risk students. Boyz to Kings (BTK), a designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is not just another intervention program-it’s a comprehensive life transformation initiative that’s making waves both domestically and abroad.

Global Expansion: BTK Reaches Rwanda

In a significant move toward international impact, BTK has initiated its presence in Rwanda, marking a new chapter in the organization’s history. The program has conducted extensive visits to various Rwandan high schools and notable institutions including the East African University Rwanda. This expansion aims to incorporate BTK’s proven mentorship model and values into the Rwandan school system, creating a cross-cultural bridge of youth empowerment.

BTK Director Merv Mattair (In the middle) with the East African University Rwanda directorate. photo by Mignone Rusanganwa

The program’s introduction to Rwanda represents a strategic step in adapting its successful mentorship framework to serve diverse educational contexts while respecting local cultural values and educational systems.

A Unique Approach to Mentorship

Founded on twelve core principles, BTK breaks traditional mentorship models by emphasizing self-accountability and personalized development. The program’s mission goes beyond academic support, focusing on holistic personal growth that prepares students for college, career, and life challenges.

Voices of Transformation: An Exclusive Interview

Merv Mattair, BTK Program Director

Q: What makes Boyz to Kings different from other mentorship programs?
“We don’t just guide students—we empower them to become architects of their own success. Our approach is about building internal motivation and self-leadership. Now, with our expansion into Rwanda, we’re seeing how these principles resonate across cultures.”

Q: What inspired you to start this initiative?
“It was due to the lack of proper family structure not only in America but all over the world, due to that insufficiency I decided to take it as my job and do something about it. We got tired of loosing our young boys to drugs, prisons and other similar cases. That’s what inspired me to start the initiative

Merv Mattair in an interview with journalist from the EAUR magazine Ghislaine, photo by Mignone Rusanganwa.

As BTK expands its reach from urban America to the heart of Africa, it stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, guidance, and belief, every student has the potential to transform their life trajectory. The program’s expansion into Rwanda marks just the beginning of what promises to be a global movement in youth empowerment and educational excellence.

The successful integration of BTK principles into Rwanda’s educational landscape could serve as a model for future international expansions, demonstrating how effective mentorship programs can be adapted and implemented across different cultural contexts while maintaining their core values and effectiveness.

This article was written by
Picture of Ghislaine

Ghislaine