Providing Education to 450 Children in Ruhagarika

The 7,400-Mile Journey Has been Completed But …

While raising funds for Kevin’s surgery, I had to delay fundraising for the school that educates 450 orphans and vulnerable children in Ruhagarika, Burundi. Funds raised for Kevin’s surgery was not even enough to pay hospital bills, we had to borrow some money to complete hospital bill payment.

After his surgery in India and back to Burundi, we have been trying to raise money to pay back funds borrowed, pay teachers and feed Kevin, but still unable as I do not see any donation coming in, despite a nice article wrote by GlobalGiving: https://medium.com/globalgoodness/the-7-400-mile-surgery-a00347c0f840

Your donation will enable us finish the school year 2016-2017 without having teachers striking.

Thanks,

Prosper Ndabishuriye

General Coordinator and Founder

                                                      A JOYFUL AND EXCITING MOMENTS

 On the 23rd day of December, three main venues were at the appointment at Iwacu Kazoza School:

Firstly, a football (Soccer) match opposing the teachers of Iwacu Kazoza Sschool and the students. The winners were given two goats as the first place prize and the teachers were given one goat. It was a big fun and excited day and game!!!

Secondly, after the game, as it was planned it was time to issue results of the first term to the Iwacu kazoza school students both primary and secondary school students.

Finally later in the afternoon, students, teachers, parents of the students schooling at Iwacu Kazoza School, visitors and local leaders of the community all were invited to celebrate Christmas together with JRMD office team. The Day’s BIG MEAL and soft drink (Coca Cola, Fanta Orange, Sprite, …) were served to all above mentioned people. We all shared Barbecued goat meat with the traditional “Ubuswage” that traditionally goes with the meat.

The students, teachers, parents, visitors, local leaders of Ruhagarika Community and JRMD Office Team are all grateful to Kenneth and Debbie Mettler and Alan and Molly who enabled us to feed over 700 people and give a prize to the winners and losers.

“DRINK COFFEE and HELP A CHILD” Fundraising project is another way that JRMD is using to raise funds to help provide education and care for orphans. It all started at the Seven Oaks Elementary School in Lacey, Washington. Truly a “win-win” idea, now YOU can … “DRINK COFFEE and HELP A CHILD”. For more information about this fundraising, please click on the following link: https://www.facebook.com/238561311217/photos/a.10150191650251218.313510.238561311217/10154215382486218/?type=3&theater

With the help of our donors, friends and friends of friends  Iwacu Kazoza School continues to provide quality education to 507 children who are from very poor families or are orphaned street children.  Once building is completed, we will be able to accommodate 800 students and 160 orphans. Today, the completion of the construction of a part of the orphanage that will accommodate and care for 80 orphans is in progress.

At Iwacu Kazoza School and the Orphanage, we presently do not have electricity for lights, computers, refrigeration:  things that many of you see as essential and totally take for granted.  By installing this renewable source, we will not only be able to offer these things to our present students and Orphanage, but also to young people and adults in our community as they will be able to have a meeting place for education, meetings, workshops, training and social events for years to come.  The entire Imuhira Iwacu Village will benefit. 

NEED OF 20 KW SOLAR PANELS:           

We have been extremely fortunate to have used solar panels donated to us by Sun Electronics and we also have electricians to install them in Burundi.  However, we do not have any of the hardware that will be needed for our off the grid installation.  We need charge controllers, generators, surge protectors, PV male and female output parts, Inverter/Charger (6800 watts), power distribution panel, connection kit and batteries.  

If you or your organization is able to help us in any way, you would have our deepest gratitude.  All donations are tax-deductible as we are a non-profit.  We would supply you with the appropriate paperwork. We would love to give our business to Sun Electronics, so if you are able to help us in some way financially, this would be greatly appreciated.  

PROVIDING CLEAN WATER TO IWACU KAZOZA SCHOOL AND THE ORPHANAGE:

With the Help of 200 Orphanages Worldwide, a WELL to provide clean water to the students of Iwacu Kazoza School, the Orphanage and Surrounding areas will be undertaken in few coming weeks.

Students and surrounding community all together are waiting patiently with a positive expectations. Yes, we will get there, as soon as we can!

 OUR URGENT NEED:

To finish the school year 2016-2017, we still need $18,250 to pay teacher’s salaries, for February-June 2017. This is an urgent need. Remember, today Iwacu Kazoza School is among the BEST schools in Burundi; it is among 15 best schools at national level providing a good education. This is witnessed by the results from national exams of 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. You and your donation are playing a major role to make this to happen to the students schooling at Iwacu Kazoza School.

With much thanks and gratitude  to our donors, friends and friends of friends,

 Prosper Ndabishuriye

General Coordinator and Founder