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Last week, on May 1st, the GIFTS Rwanda team and community came together to celebrate International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day. It was such a joyful and meaningful time together. Throughout the day, staff, students, and community members enjoyed volleyball, singing, dancing, games, food, conversation, and simply being together in fellowship and celebration. It was a beautiful reminder of the strength of community and the joy that can be found in togetherness. We are excited to share photos and videos from the celebration with you, capturing moments of laughter, dancing, games, and connection. Each photo tells its own story, and we look forward to sharing more reflections and participant messages once they have been translated into English.
 During the celebration, we also took time to remember Sharon, the founder of GIFTS Rwanda, and honor the vision and love she poured into this work. Her legacy continues to live on through the lives being impacted every day.
None of this would be possible without your support. Thank you for helping create spaces where people feel valued, connected, and filled with hope. Your generosity continues to impact lives in ways both big and small. 
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 Because of your generosity, we are witnessing lives change in tangible, deeply meaningful ways—and we are so grateful to share a few recent moments with you. Seeing Clearly, Thriving Fully Mutoniwase Shakilla, one of our students, had been struggling in school due to a vision problem that made it difficult for her to read and study. Although she had health insurance, it only covered basic medications and not the eye treatment she urgently needed. Thanks to your support, we were able to provide her with the $190 eye medicine. Today, Shakilla can see clearly—and she is now thriving in her studies. What a powerful reminder that sometimes one need met can change everything.
Growing Impact in Skills Training Recently, we welcomed students from other tailoring schools who requested a one-month internship with GIFTS Rwanda. This is a meaningful sign that our program is being recognized for providing quality skills training. Even with limited sewing machines, we made space for them. By organizing students into morning and afternoon sessions, both our current students and the interns are able to learn effectively. It’s a beautiful picture of growth, collaboration, and maximizing what we have to serve more.  Recognized by Local Leaders On Thursday, officials from the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) visited to assess community-impact projects in Kamonyi District. GIFTS Rwanda was recommended by the district for the work being done to improve lives. During their visit, they met some of our beneficiaries and learned more about our programs. They expressed appreciation for the impact being made and encouraged us to expand our support to include counseling and trauma healing—recognizing the deep emotional needs many in the community carry. This is an area we are prayerfully considering as we continue to grow.
A Beautiful Sign of Hope And finally, we are so happy to share that baby Peace is now 9 months old and thriving! Seeing her standing strong at the community center is a beautiful reminder of hope, resilience, and the future we are building together.  Each of these moments is made possible because of you. Thank you for standing with us—for believing in these students, these families, and this community. Your support is not only meeting immediate needs, but also helping build a future filled with opportunity, dignity, and hope.  P.S. Each photo you see is a reflection of your impact—from Shakilla seeing clearly, to students gaining skills, to families feeling supported, to baby Peace thriving. Thank you for making these moments possible.
 On April 7th, Rwanda began Kwibuka 32—a 100-day period of remembrance marking 32 years since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “Kwibuka” means to remember. But in Rwanda, it is far more than remembrance. It is a time to honor the lives lost, stand with survivors, and recommit to a future where such a tragedy never happens again. It is also a powerful global call—reminding all of us that remembrance is not optional. It is through remembering that we confront the consequences of hatred, choose unity over division, and take responsibility for building a more compassionate world. During this sacred time, our team at GIFTS Rwanda has had the privilege of walking alongside the community in Rugalika in meaningful and deeply moving ways.  On Thursday, April 9th, university students, boarding secondary school students, and parent representatives participated in Umuganda, Rwanda’s monthly community service day. Together, they gathered at a former quarry site—one that holds a painful history. During the genocide, many victims’ bodies were thrown there. Today, after the remains have been given a dignified burial, the site is being developed into a memorial. It was in this context that GIFTS Rwanda joined the residents of Rugalika to help prepare the site. Working side by side with our students, we created space not only for physical restoration, but for deeper understanding. These moments help the next generation learn their history and strengthen their commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated. We are honored to share photos of the work being done with you.       Following the community work, our university students shared a heartfelt letter expressing their gratitude to GIFTS Rwanda. They spoke about the role education is playing in shaping their futures—giving them hope, opportunity, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Here is a copy of the letter:  Then on Friday, April 10, 2026, the spirit of remembrance turned into a powerful act of compassion. Students visited the family of Nsanzumuhire Jean Bosco, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, accompanied by local leaders from Nyarubuye Cell in Rugalika Sector. The visit was deeply emotional. The family was overwhelmed with gratitude—the woman moved to tears as she shared that it was the first time she had ever been visited with such love and care. In that moment, remembrance became action. Presence became healing. They expressed their heartfelt thanks to GIFTS Rwanda for being a true source of support and hope for the residents of Nyarubuye. In return, we made a promise: that we will continue to visit, to walk alongside them, and that they can now consider GIFTS Rwanda as family. Here are photos from the visit and the items provided to the family from GIFTS Rwanda.          This is the impact of your support. Because of you, remembrance is not just something we speak about—it is something we live out. It is seen in students who are being educated, empowered, and shaped into leaders of a more unified future. It is felt in families who are reminded that they are not alone. As we continue through these 100 days of Kwibuka, we invite you to reflect with us, to remember with us, and to stand with Rwanda in honoring the past while building a better future. Thank you for being part of this work—for your compassion, your generosity, and your commitment to lasting change.  P.S. Kwibuka reminds us that remembrance is not only Rwanda’s responsibility—it belongs to all of us. During these 100 days of Kwibuka, I invite you to take a moment to remember alongside Rwanda—and to reflect on the role each of us can play in building a more compassionate and unified world. Thank you for choosing to stand on the side of hope, dignity, and humanity.
Because of you, something truly life-changing is taking shape in Rugarika. Do you remember Jacques and Eric? These are two young men navigating incredibly difficult circumstances, yet holding tightly to hope, education, and the belief that their future could be different. Below, you’ll see a photo of Jacques with Al and me, as well as a photo of Eric with his siblings. Many of you walked with us through their stories—feeling their resilience and choosing to be part of their journey.   Today, we get to share something beautiful: Their home is being built.   We have secured a wonderful piece of land, just a short distance from the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center—a place already filled with support, connection, and opportunity. And now, right there in the heart of this growing community, the walls of a duplex are rising.   This is a place that will soon mean safety. Stability. Belonging. As you look through the photos we’ve included, you’ll see more than construction—you’ll see progress made possible by your generosity.   Construction is moving quickly, and we anticipate the home will be completed in about a month. In just a few short weeks, Jacques, Eric, and Eric's siblings will have a safe place to lay their heads at night—a place where they can focus on school, dream about their futures, and simply be kids again. Even more powerful? This home will continue to give. In time, it will open its doors to others in need—children, young mothers, families—extending your impact far beyond this moment. That is the kind of change you’ve made possible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for seeing Eric and Jacques, for believing in them, and for turning compassion into action. We can’t wait to share the moment they walk through their front door for the very first time.  This week marked an exciting milestone for several students supported through GIFTS Rwanda as they began their hospitality training at the TR5 Hotel. Before their first day, four of the students visited the hotel to meet the management team and get familiar with the environment where they will be learning and training. One additional student will join the group tomorrow. It was a special moment watching them arrive together, full of excitement and possibility.  For me, this partnership holds a personal connection. The TR5 Hotel is the same place she stayed during her visits to Rwanda, making it incredibly meaningful to see students from the community now gaining professional experience there. Soon after their visit, the students officially began their training, arriving in their uniforms and looking confident and professional as they stepped into this new opportunity.  According to Brigitte, their passion has already made an impression. “This is the first time I’ve seen students who are so passionate about what they are studying,” she shared. Their excitement and dedication are exactly what programs like this are designed to support—creating pathways to meaningful employment and long-term independence.    Investing in Leadership Through ICT Training In addition to the students beginning their hospitality training, Brigitte and Paterne have also started an ICT (Information and Communication Technology) training program. This program equips them with digital skills that will enhance their teaching and leadership within the community. Thanks to the generous support of Alan Shelton, the training includes:
 After just the first week, both Brigitte and Paterne report feeling more knowledgeable and confident in their computer skills, and they are excited to continue learning. This investment strengthens not only individuals, but the entire community. Moments like these are possible because of supporters who believe in sustainable change through education and opportunity.   On International Women’s Day, more than 500 community members gathered at the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center to celebrate the incredible value and contributions of women in the Rugarika community.  This past weekend, something truly special happened at the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center. More than 500 members of the Rugarika community gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme “A Woman is of Great Value.” The event was filled with joy, dancing, speeches from local government leaders, and powerful moments honoring the women who are helping transform their community. We were deeply honored that the sector-level International Women’s Day celebration was hosted at the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center.
During the celebration: • Government leaders addressed the community and recognized the importance of empowering women. • Outstanding women in the community were honored. • Women proudly displayed and sold products they have created through our programs. • Families in need received goats, helping them begin sustainable sources of income and nutrition. • Community gardens were showcased, highlighting the impact of agricultural training and support.
 In a particularly meaningful moment, GIFTS Rwanda was officially recognized by local leaders for promoting development and continuing its support of women in the community. Both Brigitte, our Rwanda representative, and GIFTS Rwanda received certificates of recognition for this work. The celebration was full of music, dancing, laughter, and hope. Even the children joined in the festivities and enjoyed sharing corn together.  
Moments like this remind us that empowering women doesn’t just change individual lives — it strengthens entire communities. None of this would be possible without your support. Because of you, women in Rugarika are gaining opportunity, dignity, and a stronger future for their families.  P.S. If you’d like to honor International Women’s Day with a gift that empowers a woman or family in Rwanda, we’d be so grateful for your partnership. Simply click the Support Now button at the top of the page.
  Today, on International Women’s Day, we pause to celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of women around the world — and especially the incredible women of Rugarika, Rwanda. At GIFTS Rwanda, women are at the heart of everything we do. They are mothers, farmers, business owners, caregivers, leaders, and change-makers. When a woman is empowered, an entire family — and community — rises with her. Today, we are celebrating in a tangible way. At our GIFTS Rwanda Community Center, we are hosting a special gathering to honor the women in our community. Together, we will share encouragement, community, and hope. We are also gifting goats to several women — a powerful and practical investment. A goat provides nutrition through milk, creates income opportunities, and offers long-term sustainability for families working hard to build a better future. It’s more than a gift — it’s a pathway to stability and dignity. Because of your generosity, moments like this are possible. You are helping create opportunity, independence, and lasting change. I look forward to sharing photos and stories from the celebration in the coming week so you can see the joy and impact firsthand. Today, we celebrate the women of Rwanda — and we celebrate you for standing beside them.  There is so much joy happening at GIFTS Rwanda, and we couldn’t wait to share it with you. First — meet our tiniest (and possibly cutest) mascot.  At just 7 months old, baby Peace recently posed in front of the GIFTS Rwanda sign at our community center, and the photo says everything. She represents the future we are building — healthy children, supported families, and a community filled with hope. And speaking of hope multiplying…  Two years ago, a mother in our program received a goat. Recently, she returned — not empty-handed — but leading her goat’s offspring so it could be passed on to another family in need. So far, we have received two goats back through this “pass it on” model. On March 8, we will celebrate International Women's Day at our center, and during that celebration, these goats will be given to new beneficiary families. This is sustainability in action. This is dignity. This is women empowering women. Meanwhile, life at the center is flourishing:    
Thank you for being part of a community that believes in long-term impact, not quick fixes. The seeds you help plant are blooming.  There is something powerful about watching opportunity multiply. This season, GIFTS Rwanda welcomed 21 graduates of Rwanda’s national Urugerero program into our tailoring training program — marking a meaningful milestone for our vocational initiative.  What Is Urugerero? In Rwanda, Urugerero is a national program for students who have completed secondary school. Participants receive training in cultural values, patriotism, leadership, and life skills as they prepare for adulthood and future livelihood opportunities. After completing Urugerero, some graduates move on to university. Others pursue vocational or skills-based training as a pathway toward financial independence. This year, 21 of those graduates chose tailoring — and they chose to train at GIFTS Rwanda. That choice speaks volumes. A Ripple Effect in the Community One of the new students shared that her decision was inspired by a woman in her neighborhood who previously completed tailoring training at GIFTS Rwanda. Since graduating, that woman has significantly improved her family’s living conditions through the income she now earns. That is the ripple effect of vocational training. When one person gains a skill, a family gains stability. When families stabilize, communities strengthen.  Growing the Program to Meet Demand Prior to welcoming the Urugerero graduates, our tailoring program already had 20 trainees enrolled — many of whom are school dropouts or young mothers working to rebuild their futures. With 41 students now participating, we organized the program into two shifts:
Students are cooperating well, sharing equipment, and maintaining a positive and focused learning environment. The Urugerero graduates attend training in uniforms provided by the district, and their prior academic experience has contributed to a faster learning pace. Meanwhile, the existing trainees bring resilience, determination, and lived experience to the classroom. Together, they are learning — and growing — side by side.  Why This Matters Vocational training is more than learning how to sew. It is:
And now, 21 more young adults are on that path. Thank you for being part of a community that believes in sustainable solutions and invests in opportunity. The impact of this work is not temporary — it is generational. Hope is being stitched into every lesson. 💛  There are moments in this work that remind us exactly why we do what we do. This season in Rugarika was filled with those moments.  🐐 Goats Given, Dignity Restored We had the incredible joy of distributing goats to families in need. In rural Rwanda, a goat is so much more than livestock — it is income, nutrition, sustainability, and hope. A goat provides manure for crops, offspring that can be sold, and milk to nourish children. For families walking through hardship, this gift becomes a pathway toward stability and self-reliance. As each family received their goat, you could see it in their faces — gratitude, relief, and renewed belief that tomorrow can be better than today. This is what sustainable impact looks like.
🤝 A Stronger Future Through Leadership During our recent board meeting, leaders gathered with unity and vision to continue strengthening the mission of GIFTS Rwanda. Every meeting is more than an agenda. It is a reminder that transformation happens when local leadership and global partnership work hand in hand. Together, we are building programs that are thoughtful, accountable, and community-driven.  🎓 Equipping Students for Success Education remains at the heart of our mission. We distributed school uniforms to our primary and secondary students — a simple but powerful act. A uniform removes stigma, restores dignity, and ensures students can walk into their classrooms confident and prepared. For many of these families, providing uniforms would be a financial burden. Because of your support, our students can focus on learning instead of worrying. Each uniform represents opportunity.
❤️ Supporting Parents to Support Their Children One of the most meaningful moments was gathering with the parents and guardians of the students supported by GIFTS Rwanda. In a powerful group meeting, we discussed the importance of parents being present, engaged, and close to their children in daily life. Education does not succeed through school fees alone — it flourishes when children feel supported at home. The room was filled with honest conversation, reflection, and commitment. At the end of the meeting, each family received eggplants to take home — a small but practical gift to nourish their families. It was a beautiful reminder that care for the whole family matters. We are not only investing in students. We are investing in families.
🌟 Justin’s Story: The Power of Access to Education Justin Rugambwa is a 20-year-old student from Rugarika Sector. Coming from a family with limited financial means, Justin faced significant barriers to continuing his education. Through the support of GIFTS Rwanda, he received school supplies and assistance with school fees, allowing him to complete his secondary studies. He studied manufacturing technology and now dreams of continuing to university to further build his skills and knowledge. In his video testimonial, Justin shares his deep gratitude and his hope for the future. His story is a powerful reminder: when young people are given access to education, they do not simply change their own lives — they strengthen their communities. Because of you:
Thank you for standing with us. The work continues. The impact grows. And hope is rising in Rugarika.  |
