Raise Up Rwanda

“A connected and compassionate world.” This is Connect Rwanda’s vision, our constant hope. Over the past four years, our small but mighty organization has connected educators in Rwanda and the U.S. through technological innovation, fostering transformative relationships and global goodwill in the process. And now, in light of COVID-19’s unforeseen impact, our friends and colleagues in Rwanda need a different kind of help. While we’ve operated as a vehicle for social enterprise, not an aid organization, we are now called upon to put our compassionate vision into action.
 
David, a 6th-grade technology teacher at APACOPE, one of our two partner schools in Kigali (Rwanda’s capital) with three children, has described the current situation in Rwanda as dire. Intelligent, hard-working, and idealistic as only a young teacher can be, his quivering voice told us how some teachers--including those Connect Rwanda has trained-- have left Kigali for the rural provinces because their funds have run out. There are 97 teachers and administrators in Connect Rwanda's school network currently, and they are struggling. They have received no paycheck for three months and the opening of school is still months away.  
 
Even without pay, educators are finding ways to connect with students via What’sApp and YouTube. The educational process has been ongoing despite limited equipment and infrastructure. Connect Rwanda’s laptops, tablets, internet connectivity, and teacher training sessions have helped stabilize instruction in this time of great need. But while teachers are trying their best, their basic needs are not being met. Put simply, the infrastructure of support we take for granted in the United States is not yet evident in emerging Rwanda. 
 
In response, Connect Rwanda has dipped into our limited reserves to provide short-term loans to the schools in our network to cover salaries in the short-term. With your support, we can convert these loans to gifts. For just $14,550, we can provide a portion of three months’ worth of pay to 97 teachers and administrators. Through the generosity of our board we have already raised $1,500.

Any donation is welcome. We need your help to support our teachers and their families during these unprecedented times, and we must raise $14,550 by August 30, 2020 to support our Rwandan friends.
 
Thank you, sincerely, for your partnership in creating a more connected and compassionate world.


With appreciation,
Connect Rwanda Board of Directors


Steve Hays
Valens Nyamucahakomeye
Connie Coker
Jeff Milanette
Phil Greenfield
Caytie Decker Matta
Lisa Nagel