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:

• 2 mattresses
• Bed cover and sheets
• 25 kg of rice
• 25 kg of corn flour
• 20 kg of beans
• A box of soap
• 3 liters of cooking oil

We were joined by the sector-level government officer of social affairs in Rugarika, reinforcing our shared commitment to walking alongside survivors with love, compassion, and hope.
 
We invite you to take a moment to view the photos from this special visit, which show the heartfelt impact of your contributions.

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:

• Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi: In April, Rwanda observes a week of mourning to remember the innocent lives lost in the 1994 Genocide. To honor this time, we are planning to create a commemorative banner, produce specially designed T-shirts, and visit a vulnerable genocide survivor family to provide food supplies. The total cost for this is $382.

• Housing for a Homeless Family: A homeless family in the community has reached out for assistance in building a home. We aim to support them in this life-changing project. The total cost is $8,150.

• Education for Students: With students soon going on holiday, we need funds to cover their tuition fees for the next term. The total fees for this term amount to $5,487.

• Staff Salaries: As the month comes to a close, we are seeking your help to ensure we can cover salaries for our hardworking Rwandan staff. The total salary cost for all staff is $1,350.

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.

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.

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.