 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.
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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.   See the Lives You’ve Transformed: 2025 GIFTS Rwanda Year in Review As we look back on 2025, we are filled with deep gratitude for you. Your generosity, belief, and partnership have continued to fuel meaningful, lasting change in Rugarika and beyond. Every milestone reached this year—every student supported, every mother empowered, every family strengthened—is possible because you chose to stand with us. Your commitment to the mission of GIFTS Rwanda has helped transform hardship into opportunity and hope. Now, we invite you to reflect on the impact you made in 2025. Because of your compassion, the journey toward dignity, education, and sustainability continues—one life at a time. We are profoundly thankful to walk this road with you. Together, we are building a legacy of hope, resilience, and opportunity. Unwrap Your 2025 Impact Here.  Honoring Our Founder: The Legacy of Shari Shelton In July of 2025, GIFTS Rwanda experienced a profound loss with the passing of our founder, Shari Shelton. Shari’s life was marked by deep compassion, bold faith, and an unwavering belief that sustainable change begins with dignity, relationship, and love. Shari founded GIFTS Rwanda with a simple but powerful vision: to walk alongside communities—not to rescue, but to empower. Her heart for the people of Rugarika shaped every program, every partnership, and every life touched through this work. In honor of Shari’s life and legacy, our community came together in an extraordinary way. Through the Tribute to Founder Shari Shelton campaign, $44,194 was raised—an outpouring of generosity that reflects the depth of her impact and the love so many held for her. While in Rwanda this summer, Al Shelton (Shari’s husband) and I had the honor of participating in a Celebration of Life ceremony in Rugarika. Surrounded by students, mothers, local leaders, and community members, we witnessed firsthand how deeply Shari was loved. The ceremony included songs, prayers, poetry, candlelight, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude from those whose lives were forever changed because she believed in them. Shari’s legacy lives on—in the classrooms filled with students, in the sewing rooms where mothers build new futures, in the community center that brings people together, and in every stitch, harvest, and hopeful step forward. We are committed to carrying her vision forward with integrity, humility, and faith. Thank you for honoring Shari’s life by continuing to invest in the mission she held so dearly.  Together we ran our Giving Tuesday 2025: Empowering Women, Supporting Families campaign and you helped raise $36,236 for the following: ~Safe Housing for Eric & Jacques – $19,500 funded You are helping build a duplex home for Eric and Jacques, two teenage students facing unimaginable hardship and unsafe living conditions. Jacques’ father took his mother’s life and is now serving a life sentence. Jacques was separated from his siblings and currently walks hours each day to get to school. Eric recently lost his mother to cancer and now lives with his siblings and grandparents in extremely difficult conditions. This new home will give them safety, stability, and the support they need to continue in school. Once they are able to secure their own housing as adults, this home will continue serving other vulnerable children and mothers for years to come. Your gift creates generational impact. ~Food Support & Farming Empowerment – $3,300 funded You made it possible to provide food to families in urgent need, including Eric’s siblings, Jean, Rachel, and baby Peace. You also funded land cultivation for five families, giving them the ability to grow their own food and build long-term security. ~Scholarships for 154 Students – $30,000 funded (matched!) Your support ensures we can make the next two tuition payments, in January and April, so that 44 primary students, 101 secondary students, and 9 university students can stay in school. Many of these students have no family support at all. You became their support system yesterday. ~Tailoring Training for 25 Young Women – $2,300 needed to complete funding (and you covered it!) Because of you, 25 young women will finish their tailoring program, receive certificates, and receive their own sewing machines—launching careers that will support their families and uplift their community.   What Your Support Made Possible in 2025 Because of your generosity, GIFTS Rwanda was able to carry out the following projects in 2025—each one directly impacting lives in Rugarika and beyond: ~Community Center Completion & Furnishings Two community center buildings were fully completed in 2025, with final payments made and essential furnishings and equipment purchased to ensure the spaces are functional, welcoming, and ready for community use. Items included curtains, shelves, tables, mats, plastic chairs, a printer, cabinets, and a water tank—creating safe, equipped spaces for meetings, programs, and community gatherings. Total investment: $18,091 ~Education Enabled 150 students to attend school--44 in primary, 101 in secondary, and 5 in university—by providing full tuition, food, uniforms, and school supplies. Total investment: $42,350 ~Health Insurance Provided annual health insurance for 2,104 community members, an increase of 867 people from last year. Staff members Brigitte and Paterne also received comprehensive medical insurance, allowing their families access to medical care nationwide. Total investment: $4,600 ~Food Assistance & Milk Program Provided essential food support (rice, beans, cassava, sugar, cooking oil, and more) to orphaned students Eric, Jean, and Rachel. Continued milk support for Baby Peace, who was found near the GIFTS Rwanda premises. Total investment: $1,640 ~Farming & Nutrition Support Distributed 20 goats, chickens, and rabbits (with pass-on benefits after reproduction). Five families were supported with rented farmland and seeds, and a well-maintained vegetable garden continues to help families prepare balanced meals. Total investment: $4,900 ~Tailoring Program Trained a group of girls who had dropped out of school and young mothers who gave birth at home in tailoring skills, providing them with sewing machines to support sustainable income. Total investment: $5,495 ~Home Construction Provided a safe home, a goat, and access to clean water for a widow of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Total investment: $8,150 ~Women’s Empowerment Supported 20 women with resources and training to improve their livelihoods. These women are now operating sustainably. Total investment: $3,400 ~Hygiene & Clean Water Installed access to clean water, two water tanks, toilets for people with disabilities, and staff toilets at the GIFTS Rwanda site. Total investment: $3,012 ~Learning & Capacity Building Brigitte and Paterne participated in a learning exchange visit to MUSANA Community Development Organization in Uganda to strengthen programs and operations. Total investment: $1,738 ~Office Equipment & Infrastructure Added essential office equipment including cabinets, chairs, desks, and additional supplies to support daily operations. Total investment: $1,321 ~Leadership & Governance Held the legally required General Assembly, where members reviewed progress and strengthened organizational governance. Total investment: $628 ~Government Participation Participated in national programs including Liberation Day and commemorations honoring the innocent victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Total investment: $580 ~Donor Recognition Installed a donor recognition plaque at the GIFTS Rwanda office honoring those who make this work possible. Total investment: $110 ~U.S. Team Site Visit & Partnership Building Annie and Al visited GIFTS Rwanda to strengthen relationships, monitor programs, and support local leadership on the ground. Total investment: $9,141   GIFTS Rwanda: Recognized by the Rwandan Government in 2025 This year, GIFTS Rwanda achieved a milestone few nonprofits ever reach: multiple official recognitions from government leaders at both the district and sector levels. These awards are not just symbolic—they reflect trust, respect, and validation of the life-changing work YOU make possible every day. They reflect years of partnership, accountability, and community-led development across Kamonyi District and Rugarika Sector. ~January 30, 2025 – Kamonyi District Administration GIFTS Rwanda received a Certificate of Recognition honoring the organization’s outstanding contribution to the welfare of citizens throughout the district. The certificate recognized GIFTS Rwanda’s role in implementing impactful projects that foster sustainable development and uplift communities across Kamonyi District. ~August 5, 2025 – Kamonyi District A second Certificate of Recognition was awarded in appreciation of GIFTS Rwanda’s invaluable contribution to improving living conditions within the district. Government leaders acknowledged GIFTS Rwanda’s dedicated efforts and meaningful activities that have significantly promoted community well-being and development. ~August 28, 2025 – Women’s Group Development Recognition GIFTS Rwanda received official recognition (presented in Kinyarwanda) for its work in women’s group development, honoring the organization’s commitment to empowering women through vocational training, income-generating activities, and long-term sustainability initiatives. ~October 15, 2025 – Rugarika Sector Administration GIFTS Rwanda was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of its continued partnership, dedication, and commitment to supporting vulnerable residents of Rugarika Sector. The administration highlighted GIFTS Rwanda’s consistent presence and collaborative approach in serving the most at-risk members of the community. Why This Matters These recognitions are more than certificates—they are a testament to trusted partnerships, local leadership, and donor-supported programs that are creating lasting change. Government validation confirms that GIFTS Rwanda’s work is effective, respected, and deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Because of you, GIFTS Rwanda is not only changing lives—it is earning trust, strengthening systems, and helping shape a sustainable future in Rwanda.  2025 Rwanda Trip — A Journey of Impact, Celebration, and Deep Connection In August of 2025, our hearts led us back to the village of Rugarika, Rwanda. Over six transformative days, we reconnected with community members, celebrated milestones, witnessed courage and resilience, and experienced firsthand the powerful impact your support continues to make. Every step of this journey—documented in our Rugarika Trip 2025 blog series—is a testament to what is possible when compassion meets partnership. Highlights from Our Time in Rugarika: ~A Joyful Return & Warm Reunions We began our journey by reconnecting with long-standing friends and meeting baby Peace—found abandoned near the community center now embraced by a loving Rwandan family. We also saw firsthand the growth of the Community Center, complete with gardens, farm animals, sewing rooms, meeting spaces, a shop for local products, and offices for our in-country team. ~Empowering Women & Celebrating Graduates One of the most powerful days of the trip was the graduation ceremony for the latest New Mom Sewing Group. Close to 500 villagers gathered to celebrate 20 graduates—19 women and 1 young man—each receiving a sewing table and a sewing machine to launch their own businesses. The event included traditional dance, inspiring speeches from local officials, and heartfelt moments honoring determination and resilience. ~Stories of Hope & Resilience We traveled deep into rural areas to meet students facing significant challenges. We walked miles with young men like Jean de Dieu and Jacques, visited their homes, and pledged support that includes boarding school enrollment and long-term care. These interactions were humbling reminders of the courage and potential that exists when opportunity meets support. ~Community & Celebration of Life We joined in a Celebration of Life for our founder, Shari Shelton, where students offered songs, poetry, candles, and heartfelt tributes. It was a moment of deep gratitude—honoring her legacy and the ripple effect of a life lived in service. ~Faith, Fellowship & Local Culture Sunday worship with Paterne and the community filled us with renewed purpose. We shared meaningful exchanges, traded Namaste bracelets with local friends, and soaked in the rhythms of life in Rugarika. We also hosted a menstrual health and hygiene session, distributing reusable MoonCatcher kits made locally by the New Mom Sewing Group—bringing dignity and education together in a powerful way. ~Recognition & Local Impact We were honored that GIFTS Rwanda’s work was featured in the Rwandan press, particularly celebrating the sewing graduates and the growing influence of our programs. Local leaders highlighted the self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial skills being nurtured in the community. ~Bittersweet Goodbyes & Lasting Commitment As our time came to a close, we worked with Brigitte and Paterne to craft a thoughtful action plan for the year ahead, explored new opportunities like vocational training programs, and strengthened our bonds with leaders, families, and friends. Though we returned home physically, our hearts remain firmly rooted in Rwanda—and in the belief that the journey toward sustainable transformation continues.   Big News: GIFTS Rwanda Visited Musana In November 2025, our leadership team in Rwanda—Brigitte and Paterne—traveled to Musana Community Development Organization in Uganda to learn from a thriving model of sustainable, community-led development. This wasn’t just a field visit— it was an opportunity to grow, expand our perspective, and build new pathways for future impact. During their time in Musana, they: ~Explored schools, vocational training programs, and health centers that serve the community with dignity and purpose. ~Observed innovative systems of staff support, including housing and healthcare benefits for Musana team members—a model we hope to adapt in ways that strengthen GIFTS Rwanda’s own sustainability. ~Witnessed the power of community and faith, seeing how prayer, collaboration, and shared vision are woven into every aspect of Musana’s work. ~Met inspiring leaders and practitioners who graciously shared insights on building and growing self-sustaining programs for education, health, and economic empowerment. This Musana visit marked a turning point for GIFTS Rwanda—opening doors to deeper collaboration and strategic thinking about how we can continue to scale our impact in Rugarika with sustainability and dignity at the center. They came home inspired, equipped with ideas that will help our community thrive for years to come.  Fun Facts... You helped bring in $172,957.89 in 2025!! Here's how that compares to past years: 2024 raised $94,509 2023 raised $110,293 2022 raised $104,478 2021 raised $55,272 2020 raised $32,810 WAY TO GO!!!!!!! If you’ve made it this far, thank you. As we reflect on all that unfolded in 2025, we are deeply aware that none of it would have been possible without you. Your generosity, faith in this work, and commitment to the people of Rugarika have transformed lives, strengthened families, and expanded opportunities in ways that will be felt for generations. Through moments of celebration, growth, and even loss, you stood with us. Because of you, dignity was restored, skills were learned, futures were reshaped, and hope continued to rise. Thank you for being an essential part of the GIFTS Rwanda family and for carrying this mission forward with us. We look ahead with gratitude and purpose, excited to continue this journey together in 2026 and beyond.  We are excited to share an encouraging update from Rugarika — one that reflects resilience, opportunity, and the power of community. Recently, a new sewing group officially began studying through the GIFTS Rwanda program. This group includes 20 students total:
 Traditionally, sewing is not a skill many boys pursue, but when he arrived, he was welcomed with open arms. His presence is a reminder of what this program represents — inclusion, dignity, and the freedom to learn without judgment. Alongside this new group, we are sharing two powerful video testimonials from mothers in our sewing program. These women speak honestly about isolation, hardship, and the fear that their lives were “over” — and how learning a skill, being surrounded by others like them, and receiving support has restored their confidence, peace, and hope for the future. Through sewing, these women are gaining more than technical skills. They are rebuilding self-worth, creating paths out of poverty, and working toward the ability to provide for their children and families with dignity. The photos of this new group show more than students at work — they show second chances in action.    None of this would be possible without you. Your generosity continues to open doors for young people and mothers who were once left with few options. Because of your support, education and vocational training are becoming tools for lasting change in Rugarika. Thank you for believing in these students, these mothers, and the future they are building — one stitch at a time.  |
