From the soil of gratitude, new life begins... We’re excited to share a beautiful moment from the heart of Rugarika. Last week, parents whose children are part of the GIFTS Rwanda project gathered together for a special community activity called "Garuka Ushime"—which means "Come Back and Give Thanks." With joy and gratitude, they planted eggplant seedlings and watered them with care, celebrating the progress and hope that your support has helped cultivate in their lives. Many were joined by university students from our broader educational outreach—an inspiring reminder of how deeply the impact of your support continues to grow across generations. These community-led activities will continue, strengthening bonds, building food security, and nurturing both the land and the spirit of the village. Please enjoy the photos below, showing these joyful and hardworking families in action. And take a moment to watch this short video testimonial HERE from one of the participants, sharing their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to work together through the GIFTS Rwanda gardening project. Your generosity is helping make this transformation possible—thank you for being part of the journey
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Beatrice is a widow of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She lost her husband and four of her children in the atrocities, leaving her with only one surviving child. Years later, that child gave birth to two children while still living at home, but eventually moved to Kigali—leaving Beatrice as the sole caregiver for her grandchildren. Beatrice later gave birth to another daughter, Shakilla, who is now attending school thanks to support from GIFTS Rwanda. Today, Beatrice cares for Shakilla, her two grandchildren, and two additional children—six people in total living under her care. Until recently, they were living in a home that was nearly collapsing due to age and disrepair. Thanks to your generous donations, GIFTS Rwanda is building a safe, permanent home for Beatrice and her family. While construction is underway, the family has been temporarily relocated to a rented house for their safety and well-being. Despite unimaginable loss and ongoing poverty, Beatrice continues to live with extraordinary resilience and grace. Your support is giving this family not just shelter—but dignity, hope, and a brighter future. Below are photos showing the progress of the new home being built for Beatrice and her family—made possible because of your support: Thank you for helping us change lives, one home at a time.
A small project with a powerful impact is beginning to take root — and we can’t wait to share it with you. At GIFTS Rwanda, we believe in the power of sustainable solutions to change lives. When we invest in children — not just in their education, but in their confidence, skills, and sense of purpose — we help plant seeds of hope that grow for generations. We’re excited to introduce a new initiative we’re launching in the community we serve: The Rabbit Farming Project. This small but powerful program is designed to empower children while also supporting their families in meaningful ways. The Rabbit Farming Project: Growing Confidence, Knowledge, and Hope This initiative supports vulnerable children and their families through hands-on learning and shared responsibility: Building Responsibility and Confidence: Children will learn to care for and feed the rabbits, developing a sense of responsibility. When they see the rabbits thrive under their care, they feel empowered — gaining confidence, a sense of self-worth, and motivation that carries over into school and life. Gaining Practical Knowledge: Kids will acquire valuable skills in animal care and small-scale farming — opening the door to sustainable income opportunities. Supporting Families: Rabbit manure helps improve soil quality and crop yields. Families can also earn income from selling rabbits, directly supporting both the children and the household. Restoring Unity and Hope: This project not only provides tangible benefits but also helps rebuild dignity, resilience, and hope for families facing extreme poverty. This is more than just a farming project — it’s a hands-on opportunity for children to discover their potential, support their families, and build a better future.
Thank you for being part of this work. Your support makes programs like this possible — and we can’t wait to share the impact it will have in the months ahead. On behalf of all of us at GIFTS Rwanda, I want to personally thank you for your incredible generosity and support. Your contributions have made it possible for deserving students in Rugarika to pursue their education — a gift that will truly change the course of their lives. Today, I am honored to share a special thank you letter written by one of our students. They were selected to represent their peers in expressing the deep gratitude felt by all the students whose tuition fees you helped cover. Please take a moment to read their heartfelt message — it is a beautiful reminder of the profound difference you are making. Your support is not just providing education; it is inspiring hope, building dreams, and creating a better future for an entire community. Thank you for being such a vital part of this journey with us.
This week, from April 7th to April 13th, marks Rwanda’s National Mourning Week—a time to remember the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The national theme for this 31st commemoration is: "Remember – Unite – Renew." In recognition of this deeply meaningful time, our team in Rwanda—Brigitte (Director), Paterne (Project Manager), Claudine (Head Seamstress), and Chantel (Cleaner)—visited a genocide survivor named IKITEGETSE Lenia. Lenia, who now lives with her three grandchildren, continues to carry the weight of her past with extraordinary strength. Thanks to your generous support, we were able to bring her comfort and care in a tangible way. The team delivered:
We invite you to take a moment to view the photos from this special visit, which show the heartfelt impact of your contributions. Thank you for helping us let Lenia—and so many others—know they are not forgotten. Together, we continue to remember, unite, and renew.
I am reaching out to share some exciting updates from Rugarika and to request your continued support for the important work we are doing together. As you will see in the beautiful photos below, the women’s sewing group has started using their new machines to make jackets for primary and secondary students. The sight of our center filled with eager learners is truly inspiring, with new groups of women joining daily to develop their sewing skills and work toward self-sufficiency. However, as we grow, so do our needs. Our center now hosts more than 25 girls and women each day, but we only have two restrooms—far from enough to serve everyone. We need your support to install three additional restrooms, including one designed for individuals with disabilities. The space is ready, and we just need the facilities to improve sanitation and ensure everyone feels comfortable. The total cost for the restrooms is $1,848. We also have additional pressing needs:
Additionally, we have faced rising costs in the local market, impacting our ability to run programs smoothly. As a result, we are adjusting our budget to continue providing essential services to the community. Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful and deeply committed to our mission. Rugarika village continues to be a safe and peaceful place, and our work is changing lives every day. However, we cannot do it without your support. Please make a donation today to help us meet these urgent needs. Your gift of $50, $100, or whatever amount you can give will directly impact the lives of women, children, and families in Rwanda who need your support now. Give today to make a meaningful difference when it matters most. Thank you for standing with us and for believing in the power of sustainable change. Together, we are making a difference. As we reflect on International Women’s Day, my heart is filled with joy as I think about the incredible women of Rwanda. This day is especially meaningful to me because Rwandan women have been given the opportunity to be truly valued, work with purpose, and contribute to the development of their families and communities. In celebration of International Women’s Day last Friday, we were excited to give six goats to six amazing women in our community. This gift represents not only nourishment and sustainability, but also empowerment. These women are working hard to build brighter futures for themselves and their families, and we are honored to support them in this journey. Below is a beautiful photo of these six women holding their new goats—a reminder of how even small acts can have a lasting impact in uplifting others. Thank you for standing with us and for helping us continue this important work. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of these women and their families.
Nurturing Hope: How GIFTS Rwanda's Community Gardens are Feeding Minds and Bodies At GIFTS Rwanda, we believe that growth comes from more than just the classroom—it comes from the earth beneath our feet, the warmth in our hearts, and the care we give to our community. That’s why we are so excited to share the incredible progress made at the community gardens, where children are not just learning about agriculture but also growing the food that nourishes them each day. This hands-on experience has become a pivotal part of our mission, teaching the students life skills while providing fresh produce for their school lunches. Learn more from Jean below. A Step Forward: Jackets and Shoes for 44 Primary Students Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, GIFTS Rwanda was able to provide 44 primary students with new jackets and shoes. This might seem like a small gesture, but to these students, it’s much more than that. It’s a step toward a brighter, warmer, and more comfortable future. These jackets and shoes will keep the children warm on their way to school and allow them to focus on their studies, not their bare feet or the chill in the air. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they put on their new jackets and shoes was a moment we’ll never forget. Together, We Grow
At GIFTS Rwanda, every contribution, whether it's time, resources, or support, nurtures the growth of this community. We’re beyond grateful for your continued involvement in making these projects a reality. As we look ahead, we know that with your help, we can continue empowering these children to grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential—one seed, one meal, and one act of kindness at a time. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey with us. Heroes’ Day 2025 was truly a day to remember at GIFTS Rwanda! This year, we had the honor of celebrating not only the courage and resilience of Rwanda’s heroes but also the achievements of the newest graduates from our Mom Sewing Group at the activity center. The day was filled with joy, pride, and a surprise recognition that left us speechless. The highlight of the day was the graduation ceremony for the hardworking mothers in our sewing program. After months of dedication and training, these incredible women were awarded their certificates and gifted sewing machines, empowering them to start their own businesses and contribute to their families and communities. It was a heartwarming moment as each graduate proudly received her certificate, surrounded by smiles, cheers, and applause from family, friends, and fellow community members. To make the day even more special, district authorities joined us in the celebration, adding to the significance of the occasion. They came not only to witness the graduation but also to acknowledge the work that GIFTS Rwanda has been doing across the district. To our absolute surprise, the district presented us with a Certificate of Recognition, honoring GIFTS Rwanda for our outstanding contribution to the welfare of citizens through various projects implemented throughout the district territory. This recognition from the district authorities means so much to us. The certificate highlighted how GIFTS Rwanda has significantly improved the lives of many and contributed to sustainable development by uplifting communities in Rugarika and beyond. We were incredibly moved and grateful to receive this honor, which reinforces our commitment to continue making a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve. In this photo: From left to right, meet some of the incredible members of the GIFTS Rwanda team who were present for the presentation of the Certificate of Recognition:
The day was not just about formalities, though. After the ceremony, we all came together to celebrate in true Rwandan style—with dancing, singing, and laughter! The activity center was alive with vibrant music, joyful dancing, and heartfelt appreciation for the accomplishments of the new graduates and the continued partnership between GIFTS Rwanda and the community. As we reflect on this special Heroes’ Day, we are proud of what we’ve achieved together. The recognition from the district authorities and the success of our Mom Sewing Group graduates are testaments to the power of community, resilience, and the shared commitment to building a brighter future for Rugarika.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support GIFTS Rwanda. We couldn’t do this without you, and we look forward to creating even more opportunities for the people of Rugarika in the years to come. I’ve received many messages asking about the safety of the people in Rugarika given the current situation with the DRC. We want to reassure you that our community is safe and unaffected by the conflict near the western border. Rugarika is located in central Rwanda, far from the areas of unrest, and our programs continue to run smoothly. Below is a map of Rwanda with a gold star marking the location of Rugarika, while the DRC border is to the west. For those interested in learning more about the conflict, you can find additional information through trusted sources, such as this article from the BBC.
Wondering how to help? Simply hit reply and share some words of encouragement—we’ll be sure to pass them on to the community. If you’d like to contribute to providing stability and opportunity in Rugarika, please consider donating HERE. Your support is vital to sustaining our work in Rugarika. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to making a difference. |
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