Empower Refugee Youth Through Dance

MindLeaps recently expanded in Rwanda thanks to Kate Spade New York’s on purpose Fund. This allowed the program to launch in Masoro, providing 30 youth an opportunity to participate in the Train The Trainer program. This program prepares the potential trainers to continue building the MindLeaps program and promoting success for the people in Masoro. Out of the 30 participants, 8 new trainers have graduated and have begun teaching the 100 children now involved in MindLeaps Masoro. One trainer leading the program is former MindLeaps student, Fiston.

Back in 2015, when MindLeaps opened its center in Kigali, Rwanda, Fiston was hesitant to dive right in. He had never experienced dance before. He thought it was a waste of time and did not attend class consistently or focus when he did. Eventually after watching other kids find happiness and success in the program, he decided to put his heart into it and obtained school sponsorship. In 2018, after committing to improve his English speaking abilities, his leadership skills in dance classes, creativity in performance, and overall academic performance, Fiston finished high school.

Now, Fiston holds an essential role in Masoro as a MindLeaps trainer. Without dedicated trainers and the generosity of the on purpose Fund, MindLeaps' work would not be possible. We would not be able to impact the lives of so many children, improving their cognitive and social emotional learning skills preparing them to leap ahead in life.

Thank you for your generous support of MindLeaps students like Fiston over the past several years! With your help, our students are starting to graduate from secondary school and are becoming productive members of the workforce.