On October 15, 2025, Rwanda joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Day of Rural Women under the theme: “A Woman is Valuable.”

At the sector-level celebration in Rugarika, GIFTS Rwanda was invited to participate and highlight the achievements of women who have gained economic independence through our programs. These women proudly showcased their progress — demonstrating that when women are supported and empowered, entire households and communities grow stronger.

In recognition of this work, the Rugarika Sector leadership presented GIFTS Rwanda with a Certificate of Appreciation for our contribution to advancing women’s empowerment and household development.

This honor reflects the dedication of our local team, the resilience of the women we serve, and the commitment of our global community of supporters.

​Together, we are proving that a woman is valuable — and when given the tools and opportunity to thrive, she can transform her family, her community, and her world.

​We’re thrilled to share that three of our university students in Rwanda have officially completed their first year! Their progress is a powerful reflection of what happens when compassion meets opportunity.

With your ongoing support, these young men and women are pursuing their dreams through higher education — something that once felt far out of reach. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve now funded their second year of university, which began this October.
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To celebrate, we’re sharing a short video testimonial from one of the students, along with photos of all three. In his own words, he expresses how your support has given him hope, helped him complete his secondary education, and made it possible for him to attend university. 

These students are living proof that education changes lives. Your support isn’t just funding tuition — it’s building confidence, opportunity, and hope for an entire generation. Thank you for walking alongside them.

We recently received the sweetest photos from our team in Rwanda — during their lunch break, they pulled out a deck of cards we brought them on our visit in August and spent time laughing and playing together!

Their goal was simple but powerful: to take a mental break and strengthen the bond between team members. These are the moments that remind us how important connection and joy are in the work we do together.

Your support helps make these moments possible — not just the big projects, but the small, meaningful ones that build community and heart within our team.

Thank you for continuing to be part of this journey with us.