On behalf of all of us at GIFTS Rwanda, I want to personally thank you for your incredible generosity and support. Your contributions have made it possible for deserving students in Rugarika to pursue their education — a gift that will truly change the course of their lives.
 
Today, I am honored to share a special thank you letter written by one of our students. They were selected to represent their peers in expressing the deep gratitude felt by all the students whose tuition fees you helped cover. Please take a moment to read their heartfelt message — it is a beautiful reminder of the profound difference you are making.

​Your support is not just providing education; it is inspiring hope, building dreams, and creating a better future for an entire community. Thank you for being such a vital part of this journey with us.

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.