 The Mission Hasn’t Changed. The Cost Has. One year ago, our GIFTS Rwanda community came together to honor the life and legacy of our founder, Shari Shelton. In the days that followed, something extraordinary happened. More than 90 donors joined together to celebrate Shari’s life by investing in the children and families she loved so deeply. Because of your generosity, over $44,000 was given in her honor, helping ensure that children remained in school, families received essential healthcare, and vital community programs continued to move forward. Those gifts were never just donations. They became opportunity, stability, and hope for families in Rugarika. Today, as we mark the one-year anniversary of Shari’s passing, we are reminded that her mission is still very much alive.  The mission hasn’t changed. The cost has. This year, rising inflation and increased costs for goods and services throughout Rwanda have created an unexpected $18,000 increase in the cost of providing school tuition and community health insurance for the children and families we serve. This is not the result of expanding programs or new initiatives. It is simply the additional cost required to continue providing the same life-changing support that donor generosity has made possible for years. A generous donor has already committed $10,000 toward this need, leaving just $8,000 remaining to fully fund education and health insurance for the coming year. Our goal is to raise that final $8,000 by July 17.  As we remember Shari and the legacy she built, we can think of no more meaningful way to honor her than by continuing the work she started—ensuring that children stay in school and families continue to receive essential healthcare. If you are able to give, your support will go directly toward tuition and community health insurance for the coming year. Every gift brings us one step closer to closing this gap. Thank you for helping continue Shari’s mission.  Her legacy lives on because of you.  P.S. We've already secured $10,000 toward this need. Help us raise the final $8,000 by July 17 so every child can remain in school and every family can retain access to healthcare.
0 Comments
 We are excited to share some wonderful news from Rwanda! Recently, GIFTS Rwanda participated in the Kamonyi District Open Day and Exhibition, an event that brought together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community leaders from across the district. The exhibition provided an opportunity for GIFTS Rwanda to showcase our programs, services, and the incredible work being accomplished through your support.    One of the highlights of the event was displaying the beautiful handcrafted products created by women in our programs. These talented artisans had the opportunity to introduce their work to new audiences, connect with potential customers, and generate income to support their families.  We are especially excited to share a short video from Anitha Uwimpuhwe, one of the women whose handmade beadwork was featured at the exhibition. In her own words, Anitha shares how the training, skills, and opportunities provided through GIFTS Rwanda have helped her grow her business, reach larger markets, and build a brighter future.  The exhibition was more than a chance to sell products—it was an opportunity to raise awareness about our work, build new partnerships, learn from other organizations, and demonstrate the impact that community-based programs can have on families throughout Kamonyi District. We are also honored to share that GIFTS Rwanda received a Certificate of Recognition from Kamonyi District leaders, including the Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs, Madame Uwiringira Marie Jose, and the President of the Joint Action Development Forum (JADF). In addition, the organization was awarded a medal recognizing its exceptional contribution to community development and its commitment to empowering rural women.    These recognitions belong not only to GIFTS Rwanda but also to each of you. Your generosity makes it possible for women to gain skills, build businesses, support their families, and become leaders within their communities. Thank you for partnering with us to create opportunities, strengthen families, and empower women throughout Rwanda.  P.S. Be sure to watch Anitha's short video above. Hearing directly from the women whose businesses are growing through GIFTS Rwanda's programs is one of the most powerful reminders of what your support makes possible.
One of my favorite parts of my role is receiving updates from Rwanda and seeing the many ways your support is making a difference across the community. This week, I wanted to share a few snapshots of the work happening on the ground. Growing Food, Growing Opportunity Our community vegetable gardens continue to thrive, providing families with access to nutritious food while creating opportunities to learn sustainable agricultural practices. The gardens are flourishing, and it is encouraging to see the hard work of community members producing healthy crops that can support both household nutrition and economic stability.
These gardens represent much more than vegetables—they are helping families build resilience and work toward a more secure future. Hospitality Students Prepare for Graduation Recently, our team visited students studying Hospitality at TR5 Hotel to check on their progress as they approach graduation at the end of June. The students shared that their studies are going well and expressed excitement about completing their training, entering the workforce, and beginning to earn income to support themselves and their families.  Their enthusiasm and determination were inspiring. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with them and seeing where their new skills take them. Planning for Continued Impact Behind every program and project is a dedicated team working hard to ensure that services are delivered effectively and that community needs continue to be met. Our staff recently gathered for a planning and review meeting to assess ongoing activities, discuss upcoming priorities, and coordinate future programs.  Looking Ahead Next month will be an exciting one at GIFTS Rwanda as we celebrate the graduation of youth completing their tailoring training program. We can't wait to share photos and stories from that special event with you soon. Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether it's helping students prepare for careers, supporting families through agriculture, strengthening community programs, or bringing much-needed healthcare services to Rwanda, your generosity continues to make a lasting impact. Together, we are building opportunity, resilience, and hope.  P.S. Every update we receive from Rwanda is a reminder that lasting change happens one student, one family, and one opportunity at a time. Thank you for helping make these stories possible.
What does it take to help a young girl stay in school, achieve her dreams, and build a brighter future? The answer is often much bigger than education alone. Recently, our Country Director, Brigitte, participated in a district-wide meeting focused on preventing teenage pregnancies among adolescent girls. The gathering brought together nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and stakeholders from across Kamonyi District to discuss how we can work together to protect and empower young women.  Teenage pregnancy remains one of the greatest barriers to education and opportunity for girls. When a girl leaves school early, the impact can affect not only her future, but also the wellbeing of her family and community for years to come. That is why GIFTS Rwanda is committed to addressing the challenges girls face from multiple angles—through education, vocational training, mentorship, health initiatives, and community partnerships. One exciting example of this work is taking place right now at the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center. Our tailoring students recently began sewing reusable sanitary pads as part of their training program.    The students were incredibly excited about the project and even asked if those who finished first could take their pads home to use themselves. For many girls, access to menstrual hygiene products can be a significant challenge. Reusable sanitary pads help girls manage their health with dignity and confidence while reducing one of the many obstacles that can contribute to missed school days. What makes this project especially meaningful is that these young women are not only learning valuable vocational skills—they are creating products that can positively impact the lives of other girls in their communities.   In the next couple weeks, many of these young women will graduate from our tailoring program. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and sharing their graduation photos and stories with you soon.  A Special Visitor As we received updates from Rwanda this week, we also received some adorable photos of a very special visitor stopping by the GIFTS Rwanda office. Many of you may remember Baby Peace's story. Nearly a year ago, she was found abandoned in a forest as an infant. Since then, she has been surrounded by love, care, and support through the GIFTS Rwanda family. Today, Peace is healthy, happy, and thriving—and apparently taking a keen interest in office operations!   Moments like these remind us that behind every program, project, and partnership are real lives being transformed through love, opportunity, and community. Whether it is helping a young woman gain skills for employment, supporting girls as they stay in school, or providing care and stability for a vulnerable child, your generosity makes these stories possible. Thank you for investing in girls, strengthening families, and helping build brighter futures throughout Rwanda.  P.S. Every girl who stays in school, gains practical skills, and believes in her own potential is a powerful reminder that lasting change begins with opportunity. Thank you for making that opportunity possible.
Over the past several months, a group of young women completed their sewing internship training through GIFTS Rwanda, and we are so excited to share a glimpse of their journey with you. These students came eager to learn vocational skills, but they left with so much more — confidence, mentorship, encouragement, and hope for the future.   One of the greatest gifts of this internship was watching the students grow in both skill and character. On their final day, the students especially touched our hearts. Without being asked, they took initiative to organize, clean, and care for the workspace with such joy and gratitude. It was a beautiful reflection of the responsibility, teamwork, and pride they developed during their training.  We also received a heartfelt appreciation letter from the students expressing what this opportunity meant to them and how supported and cared for they felt throughout the internship.  One of the students, ISHIMWE Queen, shared her experience in the video below. In her testimony, she explains how the students were welcomed “like family” and how the staff patiently guided and mentored them throughout the internship experience. Queen shared that beyond sewing skills, they learned confidence, communication, responsibility, and the importance of serving others with love and compassion. Another student, IKUNDABAYO Anitha, shared her powerful personal story of loss, perseverance, and education. After losing her mother at a young age, continuing school seemed impossible for her family. Through the support of GIFTS Rwanda, she was able to continue her education and is now studying Finance at Kigali Independent University. Stories like these remind us that education and vocational training do far more than teach skills — they restore dignity, create opportunity, and help young people believe in a brighter future. Because of your support, these students were given not only training, but also encouragement, mentorship, and a community that believes in them. Thank you for standing with the students and families of Rwanda. Your generosity continues to create opportunities that are changing lives.  Last week, on May 1st, the GIFTS Rwanda team and community came together to celebrate International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day. It was such a joyful and meaningful time together. Throughout the day, staff, students, and community members enjoyed volleyball, singing, dancing, games, food, conversation, and simply being together in fellowship and celebration. It was a beautiful reminder of the strength of community and the joy that can be found in togetherness. We are excited to share photos and videos from the celebration with you, capturing moments of laughter, dancing, games, and connection. Each photo tells its own story, and we look forward to sharing more reflections and participant messages once they have been translated into English.
 During the celebration, we also took time to remember Sharon, the founder of GIFTS Rwanda, and honor the vision and love she poured into this work. Her legacy continues to live on through the lives being impacted every day.
None of this would be possible without your support. Thank you for helping create spaces where people feel valued, connected, and filled with hope. Your generosity continues to impact lives in ways both big and small.   Because of your generosity, we are witnessing lives change in tangible, deeply meaningful ways—and we are so grateful to share a few recent moments with you. Seeing Clearly, Thriving Fully Mutoniwase Shakilla, one of our students, had been struggling in school due to a vision problem that made it difficult for her to read and study. Although she had health insurance, it only covered basic medications and not the eye treatment she urgently needed. Thanks to your support, we were able to provide her with the $190 eye medicine. Today, Shakilla can see clearly—and she is now thriving in her studies. What a powerful reminder that sometimes one need met can change everything.
Growing Impact in Skills Training Recently, we welcomed students from other tailoring schools who requested a one-month internship with GIFTS Rwanda. This is a meaningful sign that our program is being recognized for providing quality skills training. Even with limited sewing machines, we made space for them. By organizing students into morning and afternoon sessions, both our current students and the interns are able to learn effectively. It’s a beautiful picture of growth, collaboration, and maximizing what we have to serve more.  Recognized by Local Leaders On Thursday, officials from the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) visited to assess community-impact projects in Kamonyi District. GIFTS Rwanda was recommended by the district for the work being done to improve lives. During their visit, they met some of our beneficiaries and learned more about our programs. They expressed appreciation for the impact being made and encouraged us to expand our support to include counseling and trauma healing—recognizing the deep emotional needs many in the community carry. This is an area we are prayerfully considering as we continue to grow.
A Beautiful Sign of Hope And finally, we are so happy to share that baby Peace is now 9 months old and thriving! Seeing her standing strong at the community center is a beautiful reminder of hope, resilience, and the future we are building together.  Each of these moments is made possible because of you. Thank you for standing with us—for believing in these students, these families, and this community. Your support is not only meeting immediate needs, but also helping build a future filled with opportunity, dignity, and hope.  P.S. Each photo you see is a reflection of your impact—from Shakilla seeing clearly, to students gaining skills, to families feeling supported, to baby Peace thriving. Thank you for making these moments possible.
 On April 7th, Rwanda began Kwibuka 32—a 100-day period of remembrance marking 32 years since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “Kwibuka” means to remember. But in Rwanda, it is far more than remembrance. It is a time to honor the lives lost, stand with survivors, and recommit to a future where such a tragedy never happens again. It is also a powerful global call—reminding all of us that remembrance is not optional. It is through remembering that we confront the consequences of hatred, choose unity over division, and take responsibility for building a more compassionate world. During this sacred time, our team at GIFTS Rwanda has had the privilege of walking alongside the community in Rugalika in meaningful and deeply moving ways.  On Thursday, April 9th, university students, boarding secondary school students, and parent representatives participated in Umuganda, Rwanda’s monthly community service day. Together, they gathered at a former quarry site—one that holds a painful history. During the genocide, many victims’ bodies were thrown there. Today, after the remains have been given a dignified burial, the site is being developed into a memorial. It was in this context that GIFTS Rwanda joined the residents of Rugalika to help prepare the site. Working side by side with our students, we created space not only for physical restoration, but for deeper understanding. These moments help the next generation learn their history and strengthen their commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated. We are honored to share photos of the work being done with you.       Following the community work, our university students shared a heartfelt letter expressing their gratitude to GIFTS Rwanda. They spoke about the role education is playing in shaping their futures—giving them hope, opportunity, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Here is a copy of the letter:  Then on Friday, April 10, 2026, the spirit of remembrance turned into a powerful act of compassion. Students visited the family of Nsanzumuhire Jean Bosco, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, accompanied by local leaders from Nyarubuye Cell in Rugalika Sector. The visit was deeply emotional. The family was overwhelmed with gratitude—the woman moved to tears as she shared that it was the first time she had ever been visited with such love and care. In that moment, remembrance became action. Presence became healing. They expressed their heartfelt thanks to GIFTS Rwanda for being a true source of support and hope for the residents of Nyarubuye. In return, we made a promise: that we will continue to visit, to walk alongside them, and that they can now consider GIFTS Rwanda as family. Here are photos from the visit and the items provided to the family from GIFTS Rwanda.          This is the impact of your support. Because of you, remembrance is not just something we speak about—it is something we live out. It is seen in students who are being educated, empowered, and shaped into leaders of a more unified future. It is felt in families who are reminded that they are not alone. As we continue through these 100 days of Kwibuka, we invite you to reflect with us, to remember with us, and to stand with Rwanda in honoring the past while building a better future. Thank you for being part of this work—for your compassion, your generosity, and your commitment to lasting change.  P.S. Kwibuka reminds us that remembrance is not only Rwanda’s responsibility—it belongs to all of us. During these 100 days of Kwibuka, I invite you to take a moment to remember alongside Rwanda—and to reflect on the role each of us can play in building a more compassionate and unified world. Thank you for choosing to stand on the side of hope, dignity, and humanity.
Because of you, something truly life-changing is taking shape in Rugarika. Do you remember Jacques and Eric? These are two young men navigating incredibly difficult circumstances, yet holding tightly to hope, education, and the belief that their future could be different. Below, you’ll see a photo of Jacques with Al and me, as well as a photo of Eric with his siblings. Many of you walked with us through their stories—feeling their resilience and choosing to be part of their journey.   Today, we get to share something beautiful: Their home is being built.   We have secured a wonderful piece of land, just a short distance from the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center—a place already filled with support, connection, and opportunity. And now, right there in the heart of this growing community, the walls of a duplex are rising.   This is a place that will soon mean safety. Stability. Belonging. As you look through the photos we’ve included, you’ll see more than construction—you’ll see progress made possible by your generosity.   Construction is moving quickly, and we anticipate the home will be completed in about a month. In just a few short weeks, Jacques, Eric, and Eric's siblings will have a safe place to lay their heads at night—a place where they can focus on school, dream about their futures, and simply be kids again. Even more powerful? This home will continue to give. In time, it will open its doors to others in need—children, young mothers, families—extending your impact far beyond this moment. That is the kind of change you’ve made possible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for seeing Eric and Jacques, for believing in them, and for turning compassion into action. We can’t wait to share the moment they walk through their front door for the very first time.  This week marked an exciting milestone for several students supported through GIFTS Rwanda as they began their hospitality training at the TR5 Hotel. Before their first day, four of the students visited the hotel to meet the management team and get familiar with the environment where they will be learning and training. One additional student will join the group tomorrow. It was a special moment watching them arrive together, full of excitement and possibility.  For me, this partnership holds a personal connection. The TR5 Hotel is the same place she stayed during her visits to Rwanda, making it incredibly meaningful to see students from the community now gaining professional experience there. Soon after their visit, the students officially began their training, arriving in their uniforms and looking confident and professional as they stepped into this new opportunity.  According to Brigitte, their passion has already made an impression. “This is the first time I’ve seen students who are so passionate about what they are studying,” she shared. Their excitement and dedication are exactly what programs like this are designed to support—creating pathways to meaningful employment and long-term independence.    Investing in Leadership Through ICT Training In addition to the students beginning their hospitality training, Brigitte and Paterne have also started an ICT (Information and Communication Technology) training program. This program equips them with digital skills that will enhance their teaching and leadership within the community. Thanks to the generous support of Alan Shelton, the training includes:
 After just the first week, both Brigitte and Paterne report feeling more knowledgeable and confident in their computer skills, and they are excited to continue learning. This investment strengthens not only individuals, but the entire community. Moments like these are possible because of supporters who believe in sustainable change through education and opportunity.  |
