In 2007, Brooks Newmark MP first visited Rwanda to work with the UK Conservative Party's Project Umubano. An education team helped to refurbish a school for 80 children, carrying out renovations including building a new classroom and installing electricity.

The project was so successful that Project Umubano increased their education division in subsequent years and Brooks developed a deep interest and passion in the country's efforts to achieve quality education.

As a result, Brooks established APIE with Kitty Llewellyn in 2009 and they began working towards a new vision for Rwandan primary education, starting with a modern model primary school where students and teachers alike could learn through the very best of local and international practices.

The construction of this school started in 2010 and was officially completed in early 2012. Since that time, APIE has worked intensely with the Rwandan National Curriculum, local teachers, international experts, and the Rwandan government to make this model teaching school a reality. In partnership with the newly founded Umubano Organisation, the school opens its doors in January 2013.