Exciting Announcement!!!

We are thrilled to announce that I will be going to Rugarika, Rwanda with Karina Alvarez, a member of the GIFTS Rwanda team, and her husband Albert from August 14th to 24th!

We are eagerly looking forward to connecting with the villagers in Rugarika to witness their progress in taking collective ownership and responsibility for the projects we have started together. The purpose of this trip is to achieve the following goals:

• Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and pay our respects.
• To conduct video interviews with the villagers about their experiences with GIFTS Rwanda and the different projects they are involved in, which we will share with you once we are home.

Visit and document all of GIFTS Rwanda's projects including:

• Animals received by the villagers (goats, chickens, and cows)
• Gardens built by the villagers
• Homes constructed by the villagers
• Students attending the primary and secondary school
• Medical center, which serves as the facility for those with medical insurance provided by GIFTS Rwanda.
• Water tanks 
• Progress made on the chicken project
• Progress made on Community Center 
• New Mom Sewing Group: meeting the participants, observing their current meeting space, assessing the progress of their sewing business, and discussing the continuation of the program with a new group of moms.
• Beading Group: meeting the participants, observing their current meeting place, assessing the progress of their beading business, and delivering additional beads to them.
• Soap Making Group: meeting the participants, observing their current meeting place, assessing the progress of their soap making business, and exploring ways to further assist them.

​
Per their request, Karina and I will be delivering a talk on reproductive health, hygiene, and body changes during the teenage years to female students aged 7 to 20 at the school. Additionally, we will begin a trial reusable menstrual pad program with 20 school-age girls, which we will evaluate during our visit to see if we can expand to all individuals at the school who need them.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROJECTS

We are thrilled to share this exciting news with you! We would also love to hear your suggestions on what you would like us to see and do while we are in Rugarika, documenting the progress and impact of your generous donations. Your input is invaluable in ensuring that we make the most of our time there and serve you in the best possible way.​

Additionally, we would greatly appreciate any tips and advice you have for our safe travels. It is important to us to take all necessary precautions and ensure a smooth and secure trip. Your guidance will be highly valued in making our journey a successful one.

Do you remember how GIFTS Rwanda began?! Click HERE to learn about founder Shari Shelton and Karina Alvarez's first trip to Rwanda and how GIFTS Rwanda began!

Please know that this trip is being fully funded by Shari and Al Shelton, and no portion of your donations will be used to cover the expenses.​

We cannot wait to be in the village and to get the opportunity to finally meet the individuals we have the privilege of serving.