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.
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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:

• Christophe and Thomas, our dedicated nightguards, who ensure the safety of the property, gardens, chickens, and sewing machines.
• Claudine, our head seamstress, who has launched and taught our new mom sewing groups how to sew and launched our MoonCatchers program.
• Chantal, whose life was transformed from being homeless with six children and no job to living in a duplex, working as our cleaner, and learning valuable sewing skills.
• Brigitte, our inspiring Director.
• Paterne, our committed Project Manager.​

These amazing individuals, along with the entire GIFTS Rwanda community, have been instrumental in our mission to uplift Rugarika and create lasting change.
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​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. 

Do you remember Erik? He’s now 17 and carrying a responsibility that would be overwhelming for many adults—caring for his three younger siblings: Liliane (16), Jeremy (12), and Vedaste (8). Tragically, six months ago, they lost their mother, Clementine, after she battled heart disease, along with liver and kidney failure. With no parents to guide them, Erik has had to step into a leadership role for his family.​

But thanks to your generosity, Erik is now attending secondary boarding school to pursue his dream of studying construction. Through our Give $5, Challenge 5 campaign, we raised enough to make this possible. While Erik is at school, his younger sister, Liliane, is taking care of their two younger brothers, and we were also able to fund her continued education at the local secondary school.

Erik has been in school for three months now because of your support, and recently, he came to visit our Director, Brigitte, at the GIFTS Rwanda center. Brigitte gave him some money to buy food for his family, and he sent her these photos.

They are not very clear but we are incredibly proud of Erik—his responsibility, his care for his siblings, and how he’s stepping up in such a difficult situation. Your generosity has given him and his family a chance, and we can’t thank you enough for being part of their journey.

Another student I am thrilled to share an update about is Penninah. Because of your support, she has just begun her second year of university! As part of the funds raised during our Giving Tuesday 2024 campaign, we were able to allocate $400 to buy Penninah a computer. This crucial tool will help her stay on top of her studies and excel in her classes.​

To give you a glimpse of the impact you've made, our team member Paterne captured some beautiful photos of Penninah as she walked into class for the first time with her new computer. Her smile says it all—it’s a symbol of hope, opportunity, and the brighter future she’s now working toward.

See the Lives You’ve Transformed:
2024 GIFTS Rwanda Year in Review
As we look back on this past year, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for your unwavering support. Thanks to you, GIFTS Rwanda has been able to achieve remarkable progress and touch countless lives.

Every milestone we’ve reached, every life that’s been changed, is a reflection of your generosity. It is your commitment to our mission that has fueled the positive change in the Rwandan communities we serve.

Now, we invite you to reflect on the impact you’ve made in 2024. Because of your compassion and dedication, the journey toward a brighter future continues.

We are deeply thankful to have you by our side in this important work. Together, we are building a legacy of hope and opportunity.​

Unwrap Your 2024 Impact Here.

Big News: GIFTS Rwanda Receives NGO Status in Rwanda!

​We are thrilled to announce that GIFTS Rwanda has officially received NGO status in Rwanda! While we have always been a registered 501(c)(3) organization, achieving this status within the country is a monumental step for us. This recognition will allow us to operate more efficiently and directly within Rwanda, strengthening our partnerships and deepening our impact on the communities we serve.

Becoming a recognized NGO in Rwanda opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations, helping us further our mission of empowering vulnerable populations. This milestone signifies the growth and sustainability of our work, and we couldn’t have reached it without your unwavering support.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey! Together, we are making a lasting difference.

If you’ve made it this far, THANK YOU!

As we reflect on everything we’ve accomplished in 2024, we’re reminded that none of this would have been possible without your support. Your compassion, generosity, and belief in our mission have touched countless lives and laid the foundation for an even brighter future. Together, we are creating lasting change in Rugarika—one step at a time. Thank you for being such a vital part of the GIFTS Rwanda family.​

We can’t wait to continue this incredible journey with you in 2025 and beyond!

Thank you for your generosity and belief in the power of education to create lasting change.

With your generosity, here’s what we can now achieve:

• Build a meeting room where women can gather for essential discussions on topics like money management, conflict resolution, support groups, soap-making, and puberty/menstruation education.
• Establish a shop where women can sell their handmade products—clothing, beaded bags, soaps, eggs, and vegetables—providing them with a sustainable income.
• Create vegetable gardens at the Multi-Purpose Activity Center, supplying the community with tools, materials, and seeds for farming.
• Support 20 villagers in dire need, including those affected by cancer, HIV/AIDS, and children without parents, by providing food, shelter, education, and supplies.​
• Fund tuition for primary, secondary, and university students, giving them the chance to break the cycle of poverty through education.

For those who gave $1,000 or more (we have NINE generous donors—thank you!), we’re thrilled to include your name on a plaque in the women’s meeting room as a lasting tribute to your generosity. Here’s a sneak peek of what it will look like...

THANK YOU for being a part of this life-changing campaign. None of this would be possible without you, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.

This is your chance to TRIPLE your impact on education, housing, and community development. Will you stand with us?​

Donate now and be part of this life-changing work!

​P.S. Remember, your donation is TRIPLE matched for a limited time! Every dollar you give goes three times as far in helping women and their families build brighter futures. Don’t miss this opportunity to make an even bigger impact—donate today and share this email with others who want to help create real change!

Meet Seraphine:
“I’m ICYITEGETSE Seraphine, a mother of eight from the Rugarika Sector. My husband works as a digger, and I earn money by crushing stones for construction. We don’t have land for agriculture, but thanks to GIFTS Rwanda, my children are able to attend school. Though my husband and I struggle to make ends meet, this project has given us hope. We are deeply grateful for your support. May God bless you."

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, but why wait when you can make a difference right now? After days like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is all about giving back. By donating today, you’ll be fueling real, sustainable change for families in Rugarika. And the best part? Every dollar you give will be TRIPLE matched, thanks to our generous matching donors—meaning your gift will go 3X as far!

We’ve raised $5,188 so far, but we need your help to reach our $20,000 goal. Your early donation sets the stage, inspiring others to join this movement of generosity.

Don’t wait until tomorrow—give now and help us empower women and their families to build brighter, thriving futures. Together, we can make a lasting impact.