Through a connection made by my nonprofit coach, Maryanne Dersch, I met Andrea Kazindra, Musana’s inspiring founder. Together, we arranged this powerful opportunity for learning and collaboration—a trip focused on growth, sustainability, and shared purpose.

Below are photos from the visit: a tailoring room where young women are trained to become skilled tailors, the Empowerment Center, where programs and activities equip individuals and communities with skills for lasting change, and Paterne greeting students at one of Musana’s primary schools.

From November 9th–12th, Brigitte and Paterne experienced firsthand how Musana has built a self-sustaining model of transformation, now operating schools, health centers, empowerment centers, and even hotels across three districts. They were warmly welcomed and generously shown every step of Musana’s journey—from humble beginnings in a rented house to becoming a leading example of community-led development.

Highlights from the visit:​

• Touring Musana’s schools, vocational programs, and health centers

• Learning about how Musana supports its staff with housing and healthcare

• Seeing the strength of their culture of prayer and collaboration

• Building a new partnership rooted in shared values and a vision for sustainable growth

Brigitte shared, “We were very pleased with their hospitality and the ways they helped us learn how to develop like them—they shared everything with us.”

This trip marks a turning point for GIFTS Rwanda—a step toward expanding our impact, creating lasting systems of sustainability, and continuing to empower the community of Rugarika with dignity and purpose.

Please enjoy the photos from their journey below, featuring: chalk production, a student learning to knit sweaters, Brigitte visiting the Empowerment Center, a bakery within the Empowerment Center, a community health center, and a hairdressing training room at the Empowerment Center.

We can’t wait to apply what we’ve learned and to continue building partnerships that lift and inspire.

On October 15, 2025, Rwanda joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Day of Rural Women under the theme: “A Woman is Valuable.”

At the sector-level celebration in Rugarika, GIFTS Rwanda was invited to participate and highlight the achievements of women who have gained economic independence through our programs. These women proudly showcased their progress — demonstrating that when women are supported and empowered, entire households and communities grow stronger.

In recognition of this work, the Rugarika Sector leadership presented GIFTS Rwanda with a Certificate of Appreciation for our contribution to advancing women’s empowerment and household development.

This honor reflects the dedication of our local team, the resilience of the women we serve, and the commitment of our global community of supporters.

​Together, we are proving that a woman is valuable — and when given the tools and opportunity to thrive, she can transform her family, her community, and her world.

​We’re thrilled to share that three of our university students in Rwanda have officially completed their first year! Their progress is a powerful reflection of what happens when compassion meets opportunity.

With your ongoing support, these young men and women are pursuing their dreams through higher education — something that once felt far out of reach. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve now funded their second year of university, which began this October.
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To celebrate, we’re sharing a short video testimonial from one of the students, along with photos of all three. In his own words, he expresses how your support has given him hope, helped him complete his secondary education, and made it possible for him to attend university. 

These students are living proof that education changes lives. Your support isn’t just funding tuition — it’s building confidence, opportunity, and hope for an entire generation. Thank you for walking alongside them.

We recently received the sweetest photos from our team in Rwanda — during their lunch break, they pulled out a deck of cards we brought them on our visit in August and spent time laughing and playing together!

Their goal was simple but powerful: to take a mental break and strengthen the bond between team members. These are the moments that remind us how important connection and joy are in the work we do together.

Your support helps make these moments possible — not just the big projects, but the small, meaningful ones that build community and heart within our team.

Thank you for continuing to be part of this journey with us.

From baby Peace cuddling her new stuffed animal, to two boys laughing over a simple card game, to Paterne heading off to work with his new leather bag—your generosity is felt every single day. Even warm sweatshirts and a fresh shirt bring smiles to Claudine, Chantel, and Brigitte as they wear them with pride.

But the story doesn’t end with gifts. In Rugarika, care goes far beyond possessions. Our head seamstress, Claudine, has lovingly taken on the responsibility of helping raise little Peace. Her compassion reflects the strength of community—the very strength your partnership helps make possible.

📚 Back to School in Rugarika
Children returned to the classroom filled with excitement, hope, and the joy of learning. Education remains at the heart of our mission—empowering students to dream big and build brighter futures.

This year, 154 students in the Rugarika sector are pursuing their education—the most we’ve ever supported in our 10 years—an increase of 30 students from last year—thanks to the generosity of GIFTS Rwanda supporters. Scholarships cover full tuition for:

• 🎒 44 in primary school

 

• 📚 101 in secondary school

 

• 🎓 9 in university

​🌱 First Eggplant Harvest
For the very first time, students harvested eggplants grown in their community garden. Beyond nutrition, this moment represents sustainability, pride, and the practical skills they’ll carry into adulthood.

💬 Student Spotlight
Meet Fidelite, one of our students:

Meet Fidelite Nayituriki. ​Fidelite is a young boy who lives with his sister in a home provided by kind neighbors. GIFTS Rwanda welcomed him on Monday, and he is preparing to begin his fourth year of secondary school. His sister became unexpectedly pregnant, a situation brought on by their daily struggle to find enough food in their difficult circumstances. Despite the challenges, Fidelite holds strong dreams of creating a better life for both himself and his sister.

His smile, words, and resilience are a powerful reminder of the impact education and community support can have—and why your support matters. Every pencil, every plant, every opportunity adds up to hope and transformation.

We are thrilled to share some inspiring updates from our work in Rugarika, Rwanda, celebrating the incredible achievements of women in our community. 

Honoring Women Leaders in Development
We are proud to announce that GIFTS Rwanda was recognized by the Kamonyi District Administration for our contributions to the “Mutimawurugo” performance targets during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.

Mutimawurugo is a Kinyarwanda phrase meaning “the heart of the household,” symbolizing the vital role women play in building strong, thriving communities. The certificate of appreciation, issued on August 28, 2025, by Dr. Nahayo Sylvere, Mayor of Kamonyi District, acknowledges our leadership and the positive impact of our programs on women’s lives.

Empowering Women Through the Sewing Program

Supporting Girls in School
​Our sewing program continues to empower women while addressing critical needs in the community. Recently, women have begun sewing washable sanitary pads to support our female students, ensuring they do not miss school due to their menstrual cycle.

Celebrating Shari’s Impact
​We also want to share that Shari’s Celebration of Life took place this past Saturday and it was truly beautiful. Thanks to your generosity, we have now raised $44,368 to support GIFTS Rwanda and continue her legacy of creating lasting impact in the community.

We’re back from an inspiring trip to Rugarika! The time spent with the community left us deeply encouraged and more committed than ever to the work ahead.

Not sure how to get involved? Here are two easy ways!

1. Explore & Share Our Blog
   We’ve documented each day of our trip in the “Rugarika Trip 2025” category right here on this website! You can find all the blog posts from the trip [HERE]. After reading, help us spread the word! Share this blog with your family and friends so they can see the incredible work happening in Rugarika and join us in creating lasting change.
2. Host a Gathering
   Looking for something more personal? I’d love to share about our trip with your friends and family in a community space or even your home. I’ll bring handmade soap, lotion, beaded bags, and tailoring items created by our groups so everyone can experience the beauty of their work firsthand. Together, we can inspire others to be part of this mission! ​

GIFTS Rwanda 2025–2026 Action Plan: Moving Forward

EDUCATION

• 154 scholarships (44 primary, 101 secondary, 9 university) → Students from vulnerable families or who have no family can stay in school and pursue their dreams. Cost: $45,800
• Reproductive health support → Girls receive menstrual supplies so they don’t miss school during their cycle. Cost: $470

HEALTH & DEVELOPMENT

• Health insurance for 2,104 individuals → Families gain access to essential medical care they otherwise could not afford. Cost: $4,600
• 25 young women trained in tailoring → Skills, certificates, and sewing machines empower them to earn income and serve their community. Cost: $5,395
• Goats, chickens, and garden seeds for families → Improves nutrition and provides ongoing food security. Cost: $5,782
• Food support for vulnerable households (Eric, Jean, Rachel, baby Peace, and their families) → Immediate hunger relief while learning to cultivate their own food. Cost: $4,200
• Two-in-one home built for Eric and Jacques → Safe, stable housing for students without shelter. Cost: $19,500
• Motorcycle and fuel for local team in Rwanda → Affordable and reliable transport for project follow-up in Rugarika’s mountainous terrain. Cost: $5,400

LEADERSHIP SUPPORT

• Medical insurance for Brigitte & Paterne’s families → Ensures our local team leaders can access quality medical care as they continue serving the community. Cost: $4,326

Together, we can bring this Action Plan to life. Your support ensures education, health, and hope continue to grow in Rugarika—one student, one family, and one community at a time.

​We are deeply grateful for your partnership in making this trip possible. Because of your support, we were able to witness firsthand the powerful progress being made in Rugarika. The road ahead is filled with hope, and our commitment to walking alongside the people of Rugarika as they work toward their dreams has never been stronger.

P.S. Want to add impact to your Inbox?! Enter your information below to receive email updates, inspiring stories, special announcements, exciting initiatives and more from GIFTS Rwanda! You can manage preferences and unsubscribe anytime.

I wanted to share with you a very special letter that Brigitte, on behalf of our team in Rugarika, recently wrote. It is a message of gratitude to all of you who give so generously—your time, your resources, and your encouragement.

Her words are a reminder of how deeply your support touches the lives of those we serve in Rwanda. Whether through financial gifts, donated items, or simply standing with us, you are making a lasting difference in this community.​

Please take a moment to read her message below.

​Thank you for being such an important part of this work. We could not do any of it without you.

Phew—this update is coming to you a little later than planned! I usually write these at the end of the day from bed… and this is the first time I’ve actually made it to bed in two days. I’ve heard from so many of you that you look forward to these updates each day, and I’m sorry for the delay. Thank you for following along with us on this journey. I’m so grateful you’re reading, sharing, and walking with us in spirit. While I may not be posting daily from here on out, I hope you’ll continue to tune in for updates, inspiring stories, and glimpses of the initiatives transforming lives here in Rwanda.

Today marked our final day in Rwanda, and saying goodbye was no easy task. Over the past week, our bonds with the people of Rugarika have deepened beyond words. Their love, generosity, and unwavering determination to create a better future have left an imprint on our hearts that will last a lifetime.

We began the morning early with Brigitte and Paterne, working together to create a comprehensive action plan and wish list to present to the American and Rwandan Board of Directors. These discussions were fueled by the inspiration we draw daily from the people we serve—and by our determination to help them achieve their goals.
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One exciting opportunity we explored was a hospitality training program offered right at our hotel. Graduates receive a certificate that can help them secure employment in hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses throughout Rwanda. We met the program leader and even watched a class in action. We believe this could be a promising option for our secondary school graduates who are not pursuing university but still want strong career prospects.

Our meeting stretched until lunchtime, so we took a break to eat. Soon after, Brigitte and Paterne asked for a second meeting—this time with a surprise. They presented us with flowers and candles from Shari’s celebration of life to be used in her upcoming service next month, as well as beautiful hand-painted artwork. These gifts were deeply touching, a testament to the love and respect they hold for Shari’s legacy.

Before packing my bags, I invited Brigitte to my room to try on some of my clothes. Watching her choose pieces and seeing how radiant she looked in them was pure joy. Alan did the same for Paterne. Even with fewer items in my suitcase afterward, it was still large enough that the Kigali airport required me to check it—only for it to be lost somewhere between Rwanda and Seattle. Check out how beautiful Brigitte looks in her new outfit!

We made a couple of stops at shops so Brigitte could buy shoes for our family members as another thoughtful parting gift. The traffic was intense—so much so that I recorded a short video to capture the endless near-misses that somehow rarely became accidents.

​While we may have left Rwanda physically, our hearts remain firmly rooted there. We return to the U.S. more determined than ever to help the people of Rugarika achieve the sustainable change they need to lift themselves out of extreme poverty. This trip may have ended, but our shared journey is far from over—and we can’t wait to see where faith, hope, and partnership will take us next.