Renowned Rwandan actor and filmmaker Niyitegeka Gratien, popularly known as Papa Sava, has announced plans to launch a new line of student exercise books branded “SAVA,” marking his latest venture beyond the film industry.
The announcement was made on Friday night, January 30, 2026, during celebrations of his 30-year journey in the arts, an event that also doubled as the premiere of his new film, What a Day.
Speaking at the event, Papa Sava said the initiative is part of his contribution to improving education, noting that the brand name “SAVA” symbolically represents learners.
“When people hear the name Papa Sava, they rarely think of Sava as a child. This project is about giving back to education, and I count on you all to be both customers and ambassadors of these exercise books,” he said.
He revealed that the SAVA exercise books will be produced in various sizes and formats, ensuring affordability and accessibility for students across different levels without placing a financial burden on families.
Although the notebooks were officially unveiled on January 30, Papa Sava said they are expected to hit the market in September 2026, ahead of the 2026/2027 academic year.
Papa Sava’s move into the education sector is backed by personal experience. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, specializing in humanities, chemistry and geography, earned from the former Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) in 2007.
Before becoming a household name in Rwanda’s film industry, he worked as a teacher for nearly seven years, serving in several schools, including Groupe Scolaire Kimironko I, an experience he says shaped his appreciation of the role learning materials play in education.
