By Rebecca Davis | Executive Director
You are receiving this report as a supporter of RDDC's Global Giving Project that helps street children re-integrate into the formal education system.
This month is Genocide Prevention Month and it also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Tutsi Genocide in Rwanda. The children we work with in Rwanda today were orphaned during the genocide or suffer the "next generation" problems of poverty, lack of education and homelessness.
We are so grateful that you are helping access education during the continuing period of post-conflict reconstruction in Rwanda.
Here is the story of one boy whose dream is becoming a reality...
Pacifique, known by his nickname “Passy”, was among the first group of street children that Rebecca Davis met when she visited Rwanda for the first time in 2008. Passy was part of a group of hip hop dancers who lived on the streets of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. Passy is one of the former street children whose school studies are now sponsored by RDDC. He is attending one of the best primary boarding schools in Rwanda, Hillside Day & Boarding School, which is situated in Rwanda’s Eastern province.
Back in 2009, Passy was only 10 years old, but he was already famous in Kigali, Rwanda's capital. On stage, audiences were amazed by the dance movements of this talented, little boy. His hip hop group was invited by the USA Embassy in Rwanda to perform and entertain its guests. Everybody was asking if Passy would ever go to school.
Passy is now 15 years old and is in the fifth grade of primary school (P5) - because of YOU!
When one visits Passy at Hillside School, you see that everyone knows him! When you ask the kids why Passy is so popular, they respond:
- “Gakimane is my hip hop teacher. He teaches us hip hop steps during our breaks.”
- “Gakimane is in many video clips of Rwandan singing stars. I am glad that I am attending the same school as him. I ask him all about my favorite Rwandan stars.”
- Kids who live in the same neighborhood as Hillside School are always looking for Passy during the weekends. “We need him to teach us Hip Hop.”
- “He helps in all the school’s events.”
As you can see, Passy is a child who is now off the streets and in school - trying to develop his brain, his talent and build a career. Passy has realized that his dream can only come true when he is educated – and now he has that chance!
Thank you.
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