Day 2 in Rwanda: Preparing for Celebration, Empowering Women, and Honoring Our Roots

As we woke up to Day 2 in Rugarika, we could feel the excitement building. Tomorrow is a big day—our latest New Mom Sewing Group (20 women!) will be graduating, and we’ll also hold a special Celebration of Life for our beloved founder, Shari Shelton. With so much to prepare, we started the day early at the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center to begin setting up for the next day’s events. Community members quickly joined in, helping decorate and organize the space. The energy was vibrant, with everyone coming together to help.

​Visiting the Local Medical Clinic 

​With preparations underway, we took a short trip to the nearby medical clinic where we were warmly welcomed by the head nurse and owner, Habimana Daniel. He proudly gave us a tour of the facility, sharing how much has changed and improved for the people of Rugarika. It was a special moment for him to connect with Alan, a retired physician traveling with us. We even had the joy of meeting a brand-new mom with her one-day-old baby. While today’s visit was more of an introduction, we look forward to exploring future ways GIFTS Rwanda can support local healthcare efforts.

​A Graduate’s Inspiring Journey 

​Next, we visited Nyinawumuntu Rachela, a graduate from our very first New Mom Sewing Group who now owns her own sewing shop. It was incredibly moving to see her success firsthand. She proudly showed us her workspace and creations, and her gratitude for the opportunity to transform her life through the sewing program was evident in every word.

​Behind the Scenes: Helping with Final Touches 

​Back at the Community Center, the team was still hard at work preparing for tomorrow’s festivities. Alan and I even got the chance to help cut fabric and make the dancers' skirts—it was a fun and hands-on way to contribute and connect with the people preparing for the celebration.

​Menstrual Health Education and MoonCatchers Distribution 

One of the most meaningful parts of the day was attending a menstrual health and hygiene presentation led by our secretary ​Nyiraneza Jeannette and our Country Director Mukanyandwi Brigitte. Women from the community gathered to learn about menstruation, sanitation, and how to use the reusable MoonCatchers kits. These kits are now being sewn locally by the New Mom Sewing Group, thanks to the training Brigitte and Claudine received in Uganda. Seeing this program come full circle—from learning to launching to sustaining—was a powerful reminder of what long-term empowerment truly looks like. Every woman in attendance received a kit to ensure they don’t have to miss school or work during their cycles.

​Honoring the Roots of GIFTS Rwanda 

​We then visited the pastor whose church grounds were the launching point for GIFTS Rwanda years ago. It was important to thank him in person for his unwavering support. While there, we also brought clothing for his son and visited the primary school located on the property, giving new shoes to children in need.

​A Celebratory Surprise 

​As we wrapped up the day at the Community Center, one of our sponsored secondary students stopped by, proudly holding his report card—he’s graduating! We let him know just how proud we are of him.

​With hearts full and spirits high, I am headed to rest up for tomorrow—what promises to be a day of deep joy, gratitude, and reflection.