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This week marked an exciting milestone for several students supported through GIFTS Rwanda as they began their hospitality training at the TR5 Hotel. Before their first day, four of the students visited the hotel to meet the management team and get familiar with the environment where they will be learning and training. One additional student will join the group tomorrow. It was a special moment watching them arrive together, full of excitement and possibility.  For me, this partnership holds a personal connection. The TR5 Hotel is the same place she stayed during her visits to Rwanda, making it incredibly meaningful to see students from the community now gaining professional experience there. Soon after their visit, the students officially began their training, arriving in their uniforms and looking confident and professional as they stepped into this new opportunity.  According to Brigitte, their passion has already made an impression. “This is the first time I’ve seen students who are so passionate about what they are studying,” she shared. Their excitement and dedication are exactly what programs like this are designed to support—creating pathways to meaningful employment and long-term independence.    Investing in Leadership Through ICT Training In addition to the students beginning their hospitality training, Brigitte and Paterne have also started an ICT (Information and Communication Technology) training program. This program equips them with digital skills that will enhance their teaching and leadership within the community. Thanks to the generous support of Alan Shelton, the training includes:
 After just the first week, both Brigitte and Paterne report feeling more knowledgeable and confident in their computer skills, and they are excited to continue learning. This investment strengthens not only individuals, but the entire community. Moments like these are possible because of supporters who believe in sustainable change through education and opportunity. 
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 On International Women’s Day, more than 500 community members gathered at the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center to celebrate the incredible value and contributions of women in the Rugarika community.  This past weekend, something truly special happened at the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center. More than 500 members of the Rugarika community gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme “A Woman is of Great Value.” The event was filled with joy, dancing, speeches from local government leaders, and powerful moments honoring the women who are helping transform their community. We were deeply honored that the sector-level International Women’s Day celebration was hosted at the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center.
During the celebration: • Government leaders addressed the community and recognized the importance of empowering women. • Outstanding women in the community were honored. • Women proudly displayed and sold products they have created through our programs. • Families in need received goats, helping them begin sustainable sources of income and nutrition. • Community gardens were showcased, highlighting the impact of agricultural training and support.
 In a particularly meaningful moment, GIFTS Rwanda was officially recognized by local leaders for promoting development and continuing its support of women in the community. Both Brigitte, our Rwanda representative, and GIFTS Rwanda received certificates of recognition for this work. The celebration was full of music, dancing, laughter, and hope. Even the children joined in the festivities and enjoyed sharing corn together.  
Moments like this remind us that empowering women doesn’t just change individual lives — it strengthens entire communities. None of this would be possible without your support. Because of you, women in Rugarika are gaining opportunity, dignity, and a stronger future for their families.  P.S. If you’d like to honor International Women’s Day with a gift that empowers a woman or family in Rwanda, we’d be so grateful for your partnership. Simply click the Support Now button at the top of the page.
  Today, on International Women’s Day, we pause to celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of women around the world — and especially the incredible women of Rugarika, Rwanda. At GIFTS Rwanda, women are at the heart of everything we do. They are mothers, farmers, business owners, caregivers, leaders, and change-makers. When a woman is empowered, an entire family — and community — rises with her. Today, we are celebrating in a tangible way. At our GIFTS Rwanda Community Center, we are hosting a special gathering to honor the women in our community. Together, we will share encouragement, community, and hope. We are also gifting goats to several women — a powerful and practical investment. A goat provides nutrition through milk, creates income opportunities, and offers long-term sustainability for families working hard to build a better future. It’s more than a gift — it’s a pathway to stability and dignity. Because of your generosity, moments like this are possible. You are helping create opportunity, independence, and lasting change. I look forward to sharing photos and stories from the celebration in the coming week so you can see the joy and impact firsthand. Today, we celebrate the women of Rwanda — and we celebrate you for standing beside them.  There is so much joy happening at GIFTS Rwanda, and we couldn’t wait to share it with you. First — meet our tiniest (and possibly cutest) mascot.  At just 7 months old, baby Peace recently posed in front of the GIFTS Rwanda sign at our community center, and the photo says everything. She represents the future we are building — healthy children, supported families, and a community filled with hope. And speaking of hope multiplying…  Two years ago, a mother in our program received a goat. Recently, she returned — not empty-handed — but leading her goat’s offspring so it could be passed on to another family in need. So far, we have received two goats back through this “pass it on” model. On March 8, we will celebrate International Women's Day at our center, and during that celebration, these goats will be given to new beneficiary families. This is sustainability in action. This is dignity. This is women empowering women. Meanwhile, life at the center is flourishing:    
Thank you for being part of a community that believes in long-term impact, not quick fixes. The seeds you help plant are blooming.  |
