From baby Peace cuddling her new stuffed animal, to two boys laughing over a simple card game, to Paterne heading off to work with his new leather bag—your generosity is felt every single day. Even warm sweatshirts and a fresh shirt bring smiles to Claudine, Chantel, and Brigitte as they wear them with pride.

But the story doesn’t end with gifts. In Rugarika, care goes far beyond possessions. Our head seamstress, Claudine, has lovingly taken on the responsibility of helping raise little Peace. Her compassion reflects the strength of community—the very strength your partnership helps make possible.

📚 Back to School in Rugarika
Children returned to the classroom filled with excitement, hope, and the joy of learning. Education remains at the heart of our mission—empowering students to dream big and build brighter futures.

This year, 154 students in the Rugarika sector are pursuing their education—the most we’ve ever supported in our 10 years—an increase of 30 students from last year—thanks to the generosity of GIFTS Rwanda supporters. Scholarships cover full tuition for:

• 🎒 44 in primary school

 

• 📚 101 in secondary school

 

• 🎓 9 in university

​🌱 First Eggplant Harvest
For the very first time, students harvested eggplants grown in their community garden. Beyond nutrition, this moment represents sustainability, pride, and the practical skills they’ll carry into adulthood.

💬 Student Spotlight
Meet Fidelite, one of our students:

Meet Fidelite Nayituriki. ​Fidelite is a young boy who lives with his sister in a home provided by kind neighbors. GIFTS Rwanda welcomed him on Monday, and he is preparing to begin his fourth year of secondary school. His sister became unexpectedly pregnant, a situation brought on by their daily struggle to find enough food in their difficult circumstances. Despite the challenges, Fidelite holds strong dreams of creating a better life for both himself and his sister.

His smile, words, and resilience are a powerful reminder of the impact education and community support can have—and why your support matters. Every pencil, every plant, every opportunity adds up to hope and transformation.

We are thrilled to share some inspiring updates from our work in Rugarika, Rwanda, celebrating the incredible achievements of women in our community. 

Honoring Women Leaders in Development
We are proud to announce that GIFTS Rwanda was recognized by the Kamonyi District Administration for our contributions to the “Mutimawurugo” performance targets during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.

Mutimawurugo is a Kinyarwanda phrase meaning “the heart of the household,” symbolizing the vital role women play in building strong, thriving communities. The certificate of appreciation, issued on August 28, 2025, by Dr. Nahayo Sylvere, Mayor of Kamonyi District, acknowledges our leadership and the positive impact of our programs on women’s lives.

Empowering Women Through the Sewing Program

Supporting Girls in School
​Our sewing program continues to empower women while addressing critical needs in the community. Recently, women have begun sewing washable sanitary pads to support our female students, ensuring they do not miss school due to their menstrual cycle.

Celebrating Shari’s Impact
​We also want to share that Shari’s Celebration of Life took place this past Saturday and it was truly beautiful. Thanks to your generosity, we have now raised $44,368 to support GIFTS Rwanda and continue her legacy of creating lasting impact in the community.

We’re back from an inspiring trip to Rugarika! The time spent with the community left us deeply encouraged and more committed than ever to the work ahead.

Not sure how to get involved? Here are two easy ways!

1. Explore & Share Our Blog
   We’ve documented each day of our trip in the “Rugarika Trip 2025” category right here on this website! You can find all the blog posts from the trip [HERE]. After reading, help us spread the word! Share this blog with your family and friends so they can see the incredible work happening in Rugarika and join us in creating lasting change.
2. Host a Gathering
   Looking for something more personal? I’d love to share about our trip with your friends and family in a community space or even your home. I’ll bring handmade soap, lotion, beaded bags, and tailoring items created by our groups so everyone can experience the beauty of their work firsthand. Together, we can inspire others to be part of this mission! ​

GIFTS Rwanda 2025–2026 Action Plan: Moving Forward

EDUCATION

• 154 scholarships (44 primary, 101 secondary, 9 university) → Students from vulnerable families or who have no family can stay in school and pursue their dreams. Cost: $45,800
• Reproductive health support → Girls receive menstrual supplies so they don’t miss school during their cycle. Cost: $470

HEALTH & DEVELOPMENT

• Health insurance for 2,104 individuals → Families gain access to essential medical care they otherwise could not afford. Cost: $4,600
• 25 young women trained in tailoring → Skills, certificates, and sewing machines empower them to earn income and serve their community. Cost: $5,395
• Goats, chickens, and garden seeds for families → Improves nutrition and provides ongoing food security. Cost: $5,782
• Food support for vulnerable households (Eric, Jean, Rachel, baby Peace, and their families) → Immediate hunger relief while learning to cultivate their own food. Cost: $4,200
• Two-in-one home built for Eric and Jacques → Safe, stable housing for students without shelter. Cost: $19,500
• Motorcycle and fuel for local team in Rwanda → Affordable and reliable transport for project follow-up in Rugarika’s mountainous terrain. Cost: $5,400

LEADERSHIP SUPPORT

• Medical insurance for Brigitte & Paterne’s families → Ensures our local team leaders can access quality medical care as they continue serving the community. Cost: $4,326

Together, we can bring this Action Plan to life. Your support ensures education, health, and hope continue to grow in Rugarika—one student, one family, and one community at a time.

​We are deeply grateful for your partnership in making this trip possible. Because of your support, we were able to witness firsthand the powerful progress being made in Rugarika. The road ahead is filled with hope, and our commitment to walking alongside the people of Rugarika as they work toward their dreams has never been stronger.

P.S. Want to add impact to your Inbox?! Enter your information below to receive email updates, inspiring stories, special announcements, exciting initiatives and more from GIFTS Rwanda! You can manage preferences and unsubscribe anytime.