 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. 
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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!  |
