Healthcare Changes Everything: How Health Insurance Is Bringing Hope to Families in Rugarika

For families in Rugarika, Rwanda, health insurance means more than access to medical care. It means peace of mind, security, and the ability for children to stay healthy and continue their education.

Thanks to the generosity of GIFTS Rwanda supporters, hundreds of families in our community have received health insurance — giving them access to care when they need it most.

But health insurance is about more than a doctor’s visit.

It gives children the chance to stay healthy.

It helps them stay in school.

It gives parents peace of mind.

Meet Jacqueline

Jacqueline is one of the mothers whose family receives community health insurance through GIFTS Rwanda.

Before her family had health insurance, she faced an impossible situation:​

“Whenever one of my two children became sick, we had to stay home because I couldn't afford medical care. It was heartbreaking to watch them suffer, knowing I couldn't get them the treatment they needed.”

Today, because of GIFTS Rwanda, Jacqueline’s children can receive medical care when they are sick.

She shared:
“A child who is too sick to receive treatment cannot go to school. By helping families access healthcare, GIFTS Rwanda is also helping children stay in the classroom and build a brighter future.”

This is why healthcare and education go hand in hand.

A healthy child can learn.
​
A child who can learn has more opportunities for the future.

---

Jacqueline’s story is one of many.

Meet Lenia, a mother of eight children who also cares for her three grandchildren.

Every day, Lenia works hard to provide for her family — paying rent, finding food, and caring for those who depend on her.

But even with all of her efforts, some things are simply beyond her reach.

Health insurance was one of those things.​

Because of GIFTS Rwanda supporters, Lenia’s family now has access to healthcare when they need it most.

For families like Jacqueline’s and Lenia’s, health insurance provides something priceless:
​
peace of mind.

The peace of knowing that when a child gets sick, they can seek help.
The peace of knowing that illness does not have to become a crisis.

---

The Mission Hasn’t Changed. The Cost Has.

As we continue honoring the legacy of our founder, Shari Shelton, we are asking our community to help ensure these essential programs continue.

Because of a generous $10,000 gift already committed toward this need, we have made incredible progress toward closing the funding gap created by rising costs.​

Now, we are working together to raise the remaining funds needed to fully support education and healthcare for the children and families we serve.

​Together, we have raised: $5,208

Remaining to reach our goal: $2,792

​Days Remaining: 2

Your gift today will help ensure children can continue learning, families can access healthcare when they need it most, and Shari’s mission continues to grow.

Continue Shari's Mission

Together, we can continue creating opportunity, hope, and a brighter future for families in Rugarika.​

Her legacy lives on because of you.

P.S. The reason GIFTS Rwanda continues to make an impact is because people like you choose to stand with these families. Thank you for believing that every child deserves opportunity and every family deserves hope.

Help Us Reach the Finish Line