Helping Rwandan Children out of Poverty

Last month the local community at Nyakagoma were out in force preparing the site for three new classrooms before the builders move in to lay the foundations. As the pictures show it’s not an easy site, set on a hillside. The new classrooms will be single storey but will be ready to take a second floor in the near future.

We are disappointed that we shall be unable to make our usual annual visit to our project partners in Rusizi for a second year. However, we are delighted that our construction project at Nyakagoma is able to proceed, thanks once again to the generous support of Jersey Overseas Aid and the supervision of Djuma, our local project co-ordinator.

This school was started from scratch just four years ago to enable local children to avoid a long daily walk to the nearest primary school. It started with two nursery classes and three primary and we are now expanding to give full primary provision – and already looking forward to the next stage which will provide secondary education up to year nine.

The current budget does not include desks so that will be the focus of our fundraising later this year. Good quality, metal frame double desks cost £50. Any contributions most welcome!

Finally, we’d like to pay tribute to Joel who has been part of our volunteer team in Bugarama over the past ten years and who has been sponsored through education up to his teaching qualification. He recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and has a confirmed post at Muko School. Well done Joel – and looking forward to being with you again before too long!