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As we reflect on International Women’s Day, my heart is filled with joy as I think about the incredible women of Rwanda. This day is especially meaningful to me because Rwandan women have been given the opportunity to be truly valued, work with purpose, and contribute to the development of their families and communities. In celebration of International Women’s Day last Friday, we were excited to give six goats to six amazing women in our community. This gift represents not only nourishment and sustainability, but also empowerment. These women are working hard to build brighter futures for themselves and their families, and we are honored to support them in this journey. Below is a beautiful photo of these six women holding their new goats—a reminder of how even small acts can have a lasting impact in uplifting others.  Thank you for standing with us and for helping us continue this important work. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of these women and their families.  
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  Nurturing Hope: How GIFTS Rwanda's Community Gardens are Feeding Minds and Bodies At GIFTS Rwanda, we believe that growth comes from more than just the classroom—it comes from the earth beneath our feet, the warmth in our hearts, and the care we give to our community. That’s why we are so excited to share the incredible progress made at the community gardens, where children are not just learning about agriculture but also growing the food that nourishes them each day. This hands-on experience has become a pivotal part of our mission, teaching the students life skills while providing fresh produce for their school lunches. Learn more from Jean below. 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.    Together, We Grow At GIFTS Rwanda, every contribution, whether it's time, resources, or support, nurtures the growth of this community. We’re beyond grateful for your continued involvement in making these projects a reality. As we look ahead, we know that with your help, we can continue empowering these children to grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential—one seed, one meal, and one act of kindness at a time. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey with us.  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. 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:
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.  For those interested in learning more about the conflict, you can find additional information through trusted sources, such as this article from the BBC. Wondering how to help? Simply hit reply and share some words of encouragement—we’ll be sure to pass them on to the community. If you’d like to contribute to providing stability and opportunity in Rugarika, please consider donating HERE. Your support is vital to sustaining our work in Rugarika. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to making a difference.  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.
 These incredible stories of progress are made possible because of you. Thank you for continuing to transform lives in Rugarika.    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.  Together we ran our Giving Tuesday 2024 Empowering Women, Supporting Families campaign and you raised $40,062 for the following:
 All projects done in Rugarika 2024 because of you! This year, your generosity has driven incredible progress in Rugarika. Here’s what we accomplished together in 2024:
 Fun Facts... You helped bring in $110,856 in 2024!! Here's how that compares to past years:
 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!  We are kicking off our New Year’s celebrations early with some incredible news--Boeing has gifted GIFTS Rwanda with a $10,000 major donation! This generous gift will allow our two university students, Penninah and Pacifique, to continue their studies and complete their second year of university. Hear from them below.
But we have even bigger dreams to fulfill. Nine more students who have completed their secondary schooling through GIFTS Rwanda are eagerly waiting for the opportunity to attend trade or university school and transform their futures. With Boeing’s support, we’re just $3,000 short of covering all 11 students’ education for the coming school year. Learn a bit more about these students HERE. We are so close! With your help, we can ensure that no one is left behind. Click HERE to donate and change lives today! If you’re looking to end the year on a high note, this is your chance! Make a tax-deductible gift today to help these students access the education and training they need to break free from the cycle of poverty and uplift their families and communities. Thank you for your generosity and belief in the power of education to create lasting change.  P.S. Your support helps make life-changing education possible. Let's cross the finish line together!
I hope this message finds you well and filled with the holiday spirit! I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for your incredible support during our Giving Tuesday 2024 campaign. Thanks to your generous donation, we are thrilled to share that the multipurpose building is already under construction! This building will serve as a vital space for the women and young mothers in our community, providing a safe environment for meetings, vocational training, and a place for them to sell their handmade products—offering them both empowerment and independence. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without you. These pictures show the amazing progress we’ve made so far, and it’s all thanks to your belief in the vision of GIFTS Rwanda. Together, we are creating sustainable change and providing opportunities for a brighter future. As construction continues, we will keep you updated with more photos and milestones along the way. Your support is truly transforming lives, and we can’t wait to see this building fully completed and in use by the community! From all of us at GIFTS Rwanda, thank you once again for your kindness, generosity, and commitment to making a difference. Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a wonderful New Year!  We are thrilled to share that this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign was a tremendous success, and it’s all thanks to your incredible support! Together, with the $20,000 in matching funds, we raised a total of $40,062—TRIPLING the impact on education, housing, and community development in Rugarika.  With your generosity, here’s what we can now achieve:
 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. P.S. Your generosity is creating lasting change for the people of Rugarika! Keep an eye out for updates on the progress of the new meeting room and shop—we can’t wait to show you the impact your gift is making!
 We’re getting closer to our Giving Tuesday goal of building a meeting room, a space for soap and purse making, an office, and a shop! These buildings will be where women gather to learn valuable trade skills, receive training on money management, conflict resolution, and access vital health education, including puberty and menstruation. The shop will allow women to sell their handmade products—clothes, beaded bags, soaps, lotions, eggs, and vegetables—helping create sustainable income for their families. And I’m excited to share—we now have a design for what these spaces will look like! We are just $5,976 away from turning this design into reality for the community of Rugarika.  Don’t forget, everyone who donates $1,000 or more will have their name added to a plaque in the women’s meeting room. Here’s a sneak peek of what the plaque will look like...  You can learn more about our plans from Brigitte, our GIFTS Rwanda Director, and from Paterne, our GIFTS Rwanda Project Manager, below.
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!
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