Trip Summary!

I think it's about time for a summary of my trip. I left Rwanda just five days ago feeling so good with what I had accomplished. The NGO application is still being worked on there, but it is getting done! I experienced lots of challenging moments on the trip, but also so many rewarding ones. I have such a peace about what Global Capacity is doing in Rwanda and have a much better idea of our program. One thing is evident, the Right2School program is so necessary. So many children want to go to school but cannot afford it. I have a presentation I made of my trip at my company a few days ago, which will help explain where Global Capacity stands today...

Why are we involved in education?

• More than 50% of the population is under 18 years-old

• It aligns with the Rwandan government’s strategic plans for economic and community development

• One of the main goals is for human resource development and to build a knowledge-based economy

• On a national level, only 10% of children ages 13-18 are enrolled in secondary school

• Education changes the cycle of extreme poverty in an individual’s life

• Helping the people help themselves

What is our Right2School Program?

• Secondary school = Grades 7-12 (but called Secondary 1-6)

• School expenses cost an average $550/year. Rwandans make an average $625/year.

• A one-year scholarship program for secondary school students including school fees and materials, uniform, health card, and transportation

• Our hope is to continue the scholarship throughout the tenure of secondary school, provided the students meets our standards

• We have also teamed with members of Penn State University's Department of Educational Policy Studies to create curriculum for American public school students. The material is based on social responsibility and equity and is currently being taught to 5^th, 8^th, and 10^th grade classrooms in Pennsylvania. We look forward to educating our nation’s students about giving to those less fortunate than themselves and teaching how to be globally-minded.

One of our partners, A Voice For Rwanda

• Founded by an American couple who have have lived in Rwanda for 4 1/2 years

• Working in a village called Akindege, which is roughly 30 minutes from Kigali

• Implementing the Help Program, which provides various programs for the entire family

• Working with the ten poorest families in the village, as identified by the chief

• Global Capacity is supplying the secondary school fees for the families (eight of the ten have children in secondary school)

Umudugudu Wa'kindege

• Translated as 'the village of Akindege', where we are working
  

• Population is 2,163 people

• Extremely poor, rural village located about 30 minutes from the capital city of Kigali
  

• 50% of the people are unemployed

• Located near a military base, which has ramifications for the girls

• There are various family structures; families with both parents, one mother, and child-headed households
  

“I Can Change My Village”

• Education empowers children and gives them the opportunity to change and improve their villages

• With an education the children have the opportunity to start businesses and create jobs in Akindege or elsewhere

• Charity in Africa is very community-minded. People give money to family and friends, so kids with an education get jobs and sow into their village.

Some of the kids we hope to sponsor

• Benjamin, 19 years-old, going into S-4, has one parent

“...I would like to be a chemist and teacher so that I can share my knowledge. Hopefully the school will change my life and I will be able to help my family. I will also try to help my neighbors. That will be a key of changing the community and helping my village to develop...”

• Aimable, 20 years-old orphan and head of household, going into S-4

“...The school is going to change my life. Hopefully after I finish my studies I’ll be able to help my family and others. That will benefit the whole village, the parents will see how school can change life and send their children to school...”

• Oliva, 12 year-old orphan and sister of Aimable, going into S-1

“...I’m trying to study hard for a better future of my family. Hopefully my studies will change my life and I will be able to help the others who have problems...”

Mentoring Program with another partner, Orphans of Rwanda

• With Orphans of Rwanda, an NGO that provides scholarships to university students

• The university students will be mentoring our secondary school students

• Encourage students to study hard and teach them the value of education and also the opportunity for a scholarship

• Teach and guide about life skills

How You Can Get Involved

• We have a $30,000 fundraising goal, which will raise 30 scholarships for the children of the eight poorest families in Akindege

• Become a donor

• Tell others about us

• Have us speak

• Spread awareness

I would be more than happy to share more about this trip as well as our vision and mission. Feel free to let me know if you want to speak more about this! More details to come regarding fundraising and the fruits of our work there!