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There’s something pretty special about seeing a stack of school uniforms sitting on sewing machines in our community center.  These aren’t just uniforms. They’re a picture of how far our New Moms Sewing Group has come. When this program began, the goal was to give young mothers an opportunity to learn a skill, build confidence, and create a path toward greater independence. Today, those same women are using the skills they’ve developed to sew school uniforms for the students GIFTS Rwanda sponsors. And this week, three primary students got to do something extra special: try on uniforms made right here in Rugarika, by women from their own community.  Brigitte and Paterne were there to help, while the New Moms Sewing Group’s work was visible all around them—the students trying on their uniforms, and more finished uniforms waiting on the sewing machines in the background. This is the kind of progress we love to see. A program that started with teaching women how to sew is now creating opportunity for those women and meeting a real need in their community. One stitch at a time, these mothers are building skills, creating something of value, and showing what’s possible when people are given the opportunity to grow. And now, their work is helping children show up to school feeling prepared, confident, and proud.  We’re so grateful to everyone who has helped make this journey possible. This is sustainable change in action. 
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Because of you, GIFTS Rwanda students are heading back to school prepared. A new school year is beginning in Rwanda, and our team has been busy making sure the students supported by GIFTS Rwanda are ready. Recently, students gathered to receive their school supplies, and their smiles say so much. Each student received the supplies they need for the school year, including notebooks and other essential materials. Before the students arrived, our Rwanda team carefully packed each set of supplies into small green bags. That way, everything was ready and waiting when each student came. When the students arrived, they could simply take their supplies, transfer them into their own school bags, and head into the new school year prepared.   For many of us, a stack of notebooks and school supplies might seem like a small thing. But for a student, having the supplies needed for school can mean starting the year with confidence rather than wondering whether they have what they need.     Because of your generosity, these students know that their education matters. Your support helps GIFTS Rwanda provide more than access to education. It helps students arrive prepared, equipped, and ready to learn.   Thank you for making these moments possible and for investing in the students and families of Rugarika.  P.S. We love seeing the smiles that come with a new school year! Thank you for helping make these moments possible.
 When we think about supporting a child's education, we often think about school fees, books, uniforms, and supplies. But helping a child succeed in school takes more than providing the resources to attend. It takes partnership. It takes accountability. And it takes a community of adults who are invested in that child's future. Recently, GIFTS Rwanda brought together the parents of children currently receiving educational support for a special meeting focused on exactly that.  The goal was simple: How can we work together to help our children succeed? Parents and GIFTS Rwanda staff discussed ways to strengthen communication and collaboration so that students have the support they need both at school and at home. The parents also elected representatives to help lead and organize their parent community, including a President, Vice President, Secretary, and two Advisors.  This new parent leadership structure gives families an active voice in the education program and creates another way for parents to work together in support of their children. Together, the group also reviewed the upcoming school calendar so parents could prepare for the beginning of the new academic year. Supporting a child's education doesn't end when tuition is paid. GIFTS Rwanda closely follows the academic progress of the students it supports, reviewing their performance throughout the school year. Recently, the team analyzed the students' results from all three academic terms to understand how each child was progressing.  This allows GIFTS Rwanda to celebrate students who are thriving, identify students who may need additional support, and work with families when challenges arise. Students are expected to maintain a minimum level of academic performance, but GIFTS Rwanda also recognizes that circumstances such as illness or difficult family situations can affect a student's ability to succeed. When there is a legitimate reason for a student's struggles, the organization may provide another opportunity and continue working with the student and family. It's an approach that combines accountability with compassion. Education changes a child's future—but the impact doesn't stop with the student. When a child succeeds in school, an entire family gains hope for what is possible. When parents become engaged in their child's education, they become active partners in that success. And when families work together as a community, they create a stronger foundation for the next generation. That's why GIFTS Rwanda's educational support goes beyond simply helping children attend school. It is about creating a network of support around each student.  To every donor who makes educational sponsorship possible: thank you. Your generosity helps put children in classrooms, but your impact reaches much further. You are helping create opportunities for students to learn, families to engage, and communities to grow stronger together.   When Patrick defended his university thesis this June, he wasn't thinking only about the years of hard work that brought him to that moment. He was thinking about the people who believed in him long before he believed he would one day become a university graduate. Years ago, Patrick's dream of continuing his education was uncertain. Financial barriers threatened to end his education. Through GIFTS Rwanda's Education Sponsorship Program, generous donors stepped in to pay his secondary school tuition. Patrick embraced that opportunity with determination, excelling academically and eventually earning a Government of Rwanda scholarship to attend the University of Rwanda. Last month, Patrick successfully defended his thesis and graduated with a degree in General Nursing. Today, he is preparing to serve his community as a healthcare professional. Patrick's story reminds us of something we believe deeply at GIFTS Rwanda: Education doesn't simply change one life. It creates ripple effects that strengthen families, communities, and future generations. Your generosity didn't earn Patrick his university degree. Patrick earned that through years of perseverance, hard work, and commitment. But your generosity opened the door that allowed him to pursue it. I often say that GIFTS Rwanda doesn't create dependence, it creates opportunity. Patrick's journey is a beautiful example of that mission in action. Hear Patrick Share His Story There's something incredibly powerful about hearing Patrick tell his own story. In this short video, he shares his journey from sponsored student to university graduate and expresses his gratitude to the people who helped make it possible. We hope you'll take a few minutes to watch. A Letter to Our Donors After graduating, Patrick presented our team with a letter of appreciation, and we are honored to share his words with you.   Patrick's story is a beautiful reminder of what happens when generosity meets determination. Your sponsorship helped Patrick complete secondary school. His hard work earned him a government scholarship. Today, he is a university graduate and a future nurse who will use his education to care for others. That is the lasting impact of investing in education. To every donor who has chosen to sponsor a student or support GIFTS Rwanda's education programs, thank you. Your generosity opens doors. Your compassion creates opportunity. And because of you, students like Patrick are building brighter futures, not only for themselves, but for the communities they will one day serve. This achievement is not Patrick's alone. It belongs to every person who believed education could change a life.  P.S. Patrick wrote, "This achievement is not mine alone." We couldn't agree more. Thank you for believing in students like Patrick and making stories like his possible.
  Just days after we celebrated Shari's legacy together, we have the joy of sharing another beautiful reminder of what your generosity makes possible. Recently, Eric and Jacques received the keys to their new home. For these two remarkable young men, this moment represents so much more than a roof over their heads. It is the beginning of a future filled with safety, stability, and hope.   You may remember their story. Jacques endured the unimaginable after losing his mother to violence. His father is now serving a life sentence, and Jacques was separated from his siblings. For years, he has walked hours each day just to attend school. Eric recently lost his mother to cancer and has been living with his siblings and grandparents in extremely difficult conditions. Because of the incredible generosity of our supporters, a duplex home was built specifically for Eric and Jacques—a safe place where they can focus on their education, heal from their past, and begin building brighter futures. But today's celebration revealed something even more beautiful. As Eric, his siblings, and Jacques arrived at their new home, neighbors came to welcome them carrying baskets filled with freshly harvested produce. It was a simple yet powerful expression of love, compassion, and community. They weren't just receiving a house. They were being welcomed home.     That moment perfectly reflected the legacy Shari left behind. She believed every person deserves to be seen, loved, and surrounded by community. Today, that legacy was alive in every smile, every embrace, and every basket shared by neighbors eager to support these young men as they begin this new chapter. The impact of this home will extend far beyond Eric and Jacques. As they grow older and are able to establish homes of their own, this duplex will continue serving vulnerable children and mothers in the community for years to come, providing safety and hope for many more families. Your generosity didn't simply build walls and a roof. You built a place where healing can begin. You gave two young men the opportunity to dream again. And because of you, Shari's legacy of love continues to change lives.  Thank you for making stories like this possible.   Together, We Did It! Because of you... We REACHED OUR GOAL!!! Campaign Goal: $18,000 Funding Need Already Committed: $10,000 Community Goal: Raise the remaining $8,000 And thanks to your incredible generosity... Together, we raised $8,000!  When we launched this campaign ten days ago, we did so in honor of our founder, Shari Shelton, and in response to a growing challenge. The mission hadn't changed. The cost had. What happened next was nothing short of inspiring. Because of you...
It is a reminder that Shari's vision continues to live through a community of people who believe every child deserves opportunity and every family deserves hope.  This Is Your Impact Over the past week, you've met mothers, grandmothers, and students whose lives have been transformed through GIFTS Rwanda. Their stories are different. But together they tell one powerful story: Hope continues because compassionate people choose to care. Every child sitting in a classroom... Every parent able to seek medical care... Every family looking toward the future with hope... is part of the legacy you are helping build. Thank You Whether you gave... Shared our campaign... Prayed for our ministry... Or encouraged others to get involved... Thank you. Every act of generosity made a difference. Because of you, Shari's mission continues. Because of you, lives will continue to be changed. Because of you, hope lives on.   One year ago, we honored the life of our founder, Shari Shelton. Today, we celebrate something just as important: Her mission is still changing lives. Because of compassionate supporters like you... Children are still attending school. Families still have access to healthcare. Hope continues to grow throughout the Rugarika community. That is Shari's legacy.  Look What We've Accomplished Together Because of a generous donor who committed $10,000 toward our funding need—and because of so many caring supporters—we are incredibly close to reaching our goal. Campaign Progress Raised so far: $7,044 Still needed: $956 Every gift today brings us one step closer to ensuring these life-changing programs continue for another year.  The Mission Hasn't Changed. The Cost Has. The children still need an education. Families still need healthcare. Hope still needs people willing to invest in it. Today is your opportunity to help ensure that Shari's vision continues changing lives long into the future. Whether your gift is large or small, every act of generosity helps build another chapter of her legacy. Together, we can ensure children continue learning, families continue receiving healthcare, and communities continue growing stronger. Thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for remembering Shari. Most of all... Thank you for helping her legacy live on.  P.S. Today is the final day of our campaign. If you've been considering making a gift, there has never been a more meaningful time. Together, we can close the remaining gap and ensure children and families continue receiving the education and healthcare they depend on. Every gift makes a difference.
 Tomorrow marks the final day of our campaign to help close the remaining funding gap for school tuition and community health insurance in Rugarika, Rwanda. Over the past week, you've met students and families whose lives have been transformed through your generosity. Today, we'd like you to meet Gisele.  Gisele is 16 years old and in Primary 6. She lives with her mother, who has a disability and is unable to work. Without the support of GIFTS Rwanda, Gisele would not have been able to continue her education. Today, she's still in school because compassionate supporters chose to invest in her future. Gisele shared: "Today, with the support of GIFTS Rwanda, I have hope for a brighter future and am determined to succeed so I can one day support my family." Her words remind us why this campaign matters. Every child deserves the opportunity to dream. Every child deserves the chance to learn. Every child deserves someone who believes in them. The Mission Hasn’t Changed. The Cost Has. Tomorrow is the final day of our campaign. We're not raising money for a new project. We're making sure the children and families Shari Shelton cared so deeply about continue receiving the same education and healthcare that have transformed lives for years. Because rising costs have increased the cost of providing that support, we're working together to close one final funding gap. We're so close. If you've been considering making a gift, now is the perfect time. One year after Shari's passing, her vision continues to change lives—not because she is here, but because people like you continue the work she began. Thank you for believing in the children and families of Rugarika. Thank you for believing in hope. Her legacy lives on because of you.  P.S. Tomorrow is the final day of our campaign. Every gift made before the campaign ends will help ensure vulnerable children remain in school and families continue receiving community health insurance for the coming year. If you've been waiting for the right moment to give, this is it.
Healthcare Changes Everything: How Health Insurance Is Bringing Hope to Families in Rugarika7/14/2026  For families in Rugarika, Rwanda, health insurance means more than access to medical care. It means peace of mind, security, and the ability for children to stay healthy and continue their education. Thanks to the generosity of GIFTS Rwanda supporters, hundreds of families in our community have received health insurance — giving them access to care when they need it most. But health insurance is about more than a doctor’s visit. It gives children the chance to stay healthy. It helps them stay in school. It gives parents peace of mind.  Meet Jacqueline Jacqueline is one of the mothers whose family receives community health insurance through GIFTS Rwanda. Before her family had health insurance, she faced an impossible situation: “Whenever one of my two children became sick, we had to stay home because I couldn't afford medical care. It was heartbreaking to watch them suffer, knowing I couldn't get them the treatment they needed.” Today, because of GIFTS Rwanda, Jacqueline’s children can receive medical care when they are sick. She shared: “A child who is too sick to receive treatment cannot go to school. By helping families access healthcare, GIFTS Rwanda is also helping children stay in the classroom and build a brighter future.” This is why healthcare and education go hand in hand. A healthy child can learn. A child who can learn has more opportunities for the future.  Jacqueline’s story is one of many. Meet Lenia, a mother of eight children who also cares for her three grandchildren. Every day, Lenia works hard to provide for her family — paying rent, finding food, and caring for those who depend on her. But even with all of her efforts, some things are simply beyond her reach. Health insurance was one of those things. Because of GIFTS Rwanda supporters, Lenia’s family now has access to healthcare when they need it most. For families like Jacqueline’s and Lenia’s, health insurance provides something priceless: peace of mind. The peace of knowing that when a child gets sick, they can seek help. The peace of knowing that illness does not have to become a crisis. The Mission Hasn’t Changed. The Cost Has. As we continue honoring the legacy of our founder, Shari Shelton, we are asking our community to help ensure these essential programs continue. Because of a generous $10,000 gift already committed toward this need, we have made incredible progress toward closing the funding gap created by rising costs. Now, we are working together to raise the remaining funds needed to fully support education and healthcare for the children and families we serve.  Together, we have raised: $5,208 Remaining to reach our goal: $2,792 Days Remaining: 2 Your gift today will help ensure children can continue learning, families can access healthcare when they need it most, and Shari’s mission continues to grow. Together, we can continue creating opportunity, hope, and a brighter future for families in Rugarika. Her legacy lives on because of you.  P.S. The reason GIFTS Rwanda continues to make an impact is because people like you choose to stand with these families. Thank you for believing that every child deserves opportunity and every family deserves hope.
 Over the past week, you've met Aline, who almost had to leave school. You've seen families receiving community health insurance in Rwanda. You've helped honor the legacy of our founder, Shari Shelton, by continuing the work she devoted her life to. Thank you. Because of your generosity, we're making wonderful progress toward our goal. But we still have work to do. One question some of you may be asking is: "If I helped support these programs before, why is GIFTS Rwanda raising additional funds this year?" It's a fair question. The answer is actually very simple. The mission hasn't changed. The children we're serving haven't changed. The families needing health insurance haven't changed. Our commitment to Rugarika hasn't changed. What has changed is the cost. Over the past year, rising inflation and increased costs for goods and services throughout Rwanda have significantly increased what it costs to provide the same education and healthcare our supporters have faithfully made possible for years. This campaign isn't funding a new project. It isn't expanding our programs. It's helping us preserve the life-changing work that's already happening. Because of these increased costs, we're facing an unexpected $18,000 funding gap. Thanks to one generous donor, $10,000 has already been committed. Together, we're working to raise the remaining $8,000 so children can remain in school and families can continue receiving community health insurance.  "Without GIFTS Rwanda, I truly believe I would no longer be in school." — Aline, age 14 Stories like Aline's remind us that this campaign isn't about numbers. It's about children whose education depends on the generosity of people like you. It's about mothers who no longer have to choose between seeking medical care and meeting their family's basic needs. It's about preserving hope. What Your Gift Protects
One year ago, so many of you honored the life and legacy of our founder, Shari Shelton, by investing in the future of this community. This year, we're inviting you to do the same. Not because our mission has changed. Because it is too important to let rising costs stand in the way. Thank you for walking alongside the people of Rugarika and continuing the work that Shari began. Her legacy lives on because of you.  P.S. Every day we move closer to our goal means more children can remain in school and more families can keep the health insurance they depend on. If you've been waiting for the right time to give, we'd be honored to have you join us today.
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