Over the past several months, a group of young women completed their sewing internship training through GIFTS Rwanda, and we are so excited to share a glimpse of their journey with you.​

These students came eager to learn vocational skills, but they left with so much more — confidence, mentorship, encouragement, and hope for the future.

​Queen shared that beyond sewing skills, they learned confidence, communication, responsibility, and the importance of serving others with love and compassion.

Another student, IKUNDABAYO Anitha, shared her powerful personal story of loss, perseverance, and education. After losing her mother at a young age, continuing school seemed impossible for her family. Through the support of GIFTS Rwanda, she was able to continue her education and is now studying Finance at Kigali Independent University.

Last week, on May 1st, the GIFTS Rwanda team and community came together to celebrate International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day. It was such a joyful and meaningful time together.

Throughout the day, staff, students, and community members enjoyed volleyball, singing, dancing, games, food, conversation, and simply being together in fellowship and celebration. It was a beautiful reminder of the strength of community and the joy that can be found in togetherness.

We are excited to share photos and videos from the celebration with you, capturing moments of laughter, dancing, games, and connection. Each photo tells its own story, and we look forward to sharing more reflections and participant messages once they have been translated into English.

None of this would be possible without your support.
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Thank you for helping create spaces where people feel valued, connected, and filled with hope. Your generosity continues to impact lives in ways both big and small.

Because of your generosity, we are witnessing lives change in tangible, deeply meaningful ways—and we are so grateful to share a few recent moments with you.
Seeing Clearly, Thriving Fully
Mutoniwase Shakilla, one of our students, had been struggling in school due to a vision problem that made it difficult for her to read and study. Although she had health insurance, it only covered basic medications and not the eye treatment she urgently needed.

Thanks to your support, we were able to provide her with the $190 eye medicine. Today, Shakilla can see clearly—and she is now thriving in her studies. What a powerful reminder that sometimes one need met can change everything.

Growing Impact in Skills Training
Recently, we welcomed students from other tailoring schools who requested a one-month internship with GIFTS Rwanda. This is a meaningful sign that our program is being recognized for providing quality skills training.​

Even with limited sewing machines, we made space for them. By organizing students into morning and afternoon sessions, both our current students and the interns are able to learn effectively. It’s a beautiful picture of growth, collaboration, and maximizing what we have to serve more.

Recognized by Local Leaders
On Thursday, officials from the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) visited to assess community-impact projects in Kamonyi District. GIFTS Rwanda was recommended by the district for the work being done to improve lives.​

During their visit, they met some of our beneficiaries and learned more about our programs. They expressed appreciation for the impact being made and encouraged us to expand our support to include counseling and trauma healing—recognizing the deep emotional needs many in the community carry. This is an area we are prayerfully considering as we continue to grow.

​Each of these moments is made possible because of you.
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Thank you for standing with us—for believing in these students, these families, and this community. Your support is not only meeting immediate needs, but also helping build a future filled with opportunity, dignity, and hope.