New Beginnings in Rugarika: Sewing, Second Chances, and Hope

We are excited to share an encouraging update from Rugarika — one that reflects resilience, opportunity, and the power of community.


Recently, a new sewing group officially began studying through the GIFTS Rwanda program. This group includes 20 students total:

• 8 young mothers
• 12 young people who had dropped out of school due to poverty
• And for the second time, one young man who chose to join the sewing program

Traditionally, sewing is not a skill many boys pursue, but when he arrived, he was welcomed with open arms. His presence is a reminder of what this program represents — inclusion, dignity, and the freedom to learn without judgment.

Alongside this new group, we are sharing two powerful video testimonials from mothers in our sewing program. These women speak honestly about isolation, hardship, and the fear that their lives were “over” — and how learning a skill, being surrounded by others like them, and receiving support has restored their confidence, peace, and hope for the future.

Through sewing, these women are gaining more than technical skills. They are rebuilding self-worth, creating paths out of poverty, and working toward the ability to provide for their children and families with dignity.​

The photos of this new group show more than students at work — they show second chances in action.

None of this would be possible without you. Your generosity continues to open doors for young people and mothers who were once left with few options. Because of your support, education and vocational training are becoming tools for lasting change in Rugarika.

Thank you for believing in these students, these mothers, and the future they are building — one stitch at a time.