World Dance has begun a RWANDA SCHOOL FUND for 39 children and young adults at the Never Again and Murindi cooperatives who need our help to go to school.
School is free in Rwanda, but the families need to pay for uniforms and supplies. This is impossible for many genocide survivors–subsistence farmers with no cash income. We are raising the needed funds through class fees, donations, and HOLIDAY gifts.
For $20 you can have one beautiful gift card, letting friends and family know that a gift has been made in their name to the RWANDA SCHOOL FUND.
Click here to see a card sample: RwandaHolidayCard_1_HR
There are 3 EASY WAYS to make a donation to the Rwanda School Fund and receive cards for your family and friends. All donations are completely tax-deductible and go 100% to the School Fund.
- Bring a check to class and pick up the cards there
- Make a credit card donation online: https://www.sbfoundation.org/page.aspx?pid=298
- Send a check made out to SB Foundation here: 1111 Chapala Street #200 Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Cards will be available in class or World Dancer Juanita Johnson will send them to you – just let her know: jjohnsonblesyu@gmail.com
BACKGROUND TO OUR WORK IN RWANDA
In December of 2011, World Dance partnered with GOATS FOR LIFE to help people struggling to survive in post-genocide Rwanda. The charity’s founder Betsy Kain, who travels regularly to Rwanda (on her own dime) to understand the communities she serves, and Justin Bisengimana, a native Rwandan who directs Betsy’s programs, have become trusted friends and project partners.
World Dance has adopted the NEVER AGAIN FELLOWSHIP, a cooperative composed of 296 households from the three previously warring Hutu, Tutsi and Twa (Pygmy) ethnic groups who have vowed, “never again” to ethnic hatred and genocide. They are struggling to survive, in peace, farming the land the government has lent them.
- In June, World Dance donated 2 full-grown, pregnant cows to Never Again.
- In October, we gave them 185 goats, so now every household has a goat.
- In November, we gave the community 2 South African milking goats to breed with local goats.
- In December, we’re providing 125 mattresses for the poorest members of Never Again who are sleeping on the ground or on thin mats.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RWANDA PROJECTS HERE
SENDING KIDS TO SCHOOL
Because of the genocide, almost all of the schools were destroyed and teachers murdered. No one who stayed in Rwanda went to school. A whole generation was stopped in their lives, with no chance for an education. We will now make it possible for 29 of the Never Again children and young adults to attend school.
Primary school is free in Rwanda, but families need to pay for uniforms and supplies. This is impossible for many genocide survivors–subsistence farmers with no cash income who barely have the funds to stay alive. Justin has spent time with the children to confirm that they really have their desire and ability, and with their families to confirm that this is something they want and simply can’t pay for.
Thank you for helping us bring this gift to the Never Again community.
The photos below, from Justin, tell it all: the top photo is of children not in school; the photo below shows kids in their blue school uniforms… with hope for the future.
Everyone has a right to education and it is an immeasurable gift to be able to be a part of- thank you for the opportunity! And the cards are beautiful too!
World Dance is good for the soul in so many different ways. As someone who has exercised her whole life, World Dance offers a different work-out; something non-linear and free. This is the most fun I have ever had while exercising. I smile the whole class. The women are so supportive and encouraging. They welcomed me with open arms, and made me feel more than just welcome; they made me feel important to the group If this is what World Dance was about, it would be enough. But it goes so far beyond a great workout.
World Dance is about charity, both here and abroad. After paying studio rent, 100% of the proceeds go to people in need. The communities that World Dance serves are overlooked by th large charities. We have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, and we do. I am so happy I found World Dance. I think Janet Reineck,the upbeat and energetic founder, could save the world, one person at a time.