Giving Tuesday Spotlight: Rachel’s Story and the Power of Early Support

Tonight, I want to share a story that sits heavy on the heart — and full of hope — because it shows exactly why your Giving Tuesday support is life-changing.

Meet Rachel
Rachel Umuhoza is 16 years old and in the sixth grade. She lives in Rugarika with her 69-year-old grandmother, Beatrice, in a crumbling one–room house. Rachel is an orphan; Beatrice has lost all of her children. She now walks only with the help of two sticks.

Food is scarce. Some days, they find a little to eat. Many days, they go to bed hungry.

When you speak with Beatrice, the sorrow in her voice is unmistakable. She has endured unimaginable loss — yet her love for Rachel is unwavering.

But thanks to your support, Rachel is no longer facing these hardships alone.

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Your generosity is already making a difference
With donor support, we were able to:

• Pay Rachel’s school fees so she could return to school
• Provide basic food staples like rice, maize flour, cooking oil, sugar, and soap (all in sealed 5kg bags to protect them from theft)
• Give her access to fresh vegetables from our community garden whenever she needs them
• Ensure she can attend evening study sessions as she prepares for Rwanda’s national primary exam

The photo below shows Rachel receiving these supplies late in the evening — she had stayed after school to study, determined to do her very best.

This is the difference you make.

This is what dignity, stability, and opportunity look like.

And below, you’ll also see and hear directly from both Rachel and Beatrice. Their photos and video testimonials are below. I hope you’ll take a moment to listen — their courage is humbling.

GIVE TODAY FOR 2X THE IMPACT

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WALL OF CHAMPIONS
Your early gifts are fueling this campaign with momentum and hope.

These early givers are helping launch our campaign with momentum and bringing us closer to our goal faster.

Thank you to our Early Champions:

• Barbara W.
• Stan M.
• Will J.
• Barbie K.
• Brian and Darla B.
• Norman S.
• Johnathan and Joy M.
• Carolyn D.
• Aaron M.
• Matthew B.
• Laura and Ben S.
• Anonymous
• Anonymous
• Anonymous
• Anonymous
  
  

If you prefer not to have your name listed, we are always honored to recognize your gift as Anonymous while celebrating the impact you make.

Early giving propels us forward — helping us reach our goal faster and opening the door for even more students, elders, and families to receive support just like Rachel and Beatrice.

Why your Giving Tuesday gift matters
Your generosity provides:

• Education for students who have no one else to rely on
• Food and basic necessities for the most vulnerable families
• Locally led programs that restore dignity, confidence, and opportunity
• Sustainable change that begins with love — and grows into independence

Every dollar you give directly transforms lives in Rugarika.
And this year, your Giving Tuesday gift goes even further through our DOUBLE match — multiplying your impact for students like Rachel.

GIVE TODAY FOR 2X THE IMPACT

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You can be the reason a child goes to school tomorrow.

​You can be the reason a grandmother sleeps knowing her granddaughter will eat.

You can be the reason hope grows in Rugarika.

​Give today and be part of the change.

GIVE TODAY FOR 2X THE IMPACT