Discovering The Successful Rwanda Education Assistance Project

By Virginia Jackson


Education and charity often go hand in hand. When it comes to the Rwanda Education Assistance Project also known as REAP, nothing could be more true. For, the project works with Rwandan children to provide an education that is accessible to all in Rwanda. As a result, the group assist children of all economic, racial and social backgrounds with educations towards a number of different careers.

Since 2009, the organization has been working with one complex public school in Eastern Rwanda and the surrounding community. The organization hopes this work will help provide a better future for the Rwandan people through education. Part and parcel to that goal is allowing children the ability to learn in ways that will create productive and responsible citizens.

REAP has been working in the area since 2009, though it was founded much earlier in 2006. Children associated with the project participate in an environment that is fun and educational. For, the school works to educate children whom will become critical thinkers, problem solvers and compassionate leaders. After which, it is hoped that many students will develop a career in which the individual can use these and other skills.

The organization began this work in 2006 when Rachel Ballen and father, Edward, traveled to Rwanda as volunteers. While volunteering at an orphanage, the two took note of the number of learning activities in relation to skills used in trade. After which, the two also took note of the local public school and food distribution center which sat quite close to the orphanage.

While visiting the orphanage, the two became aware of the students desire to learn and were inspired to create the project. Having been discovered in 2006, it took up until 2008 before the non-profit began operating in the area. After which, the work with the children, orphanage and school began to take shape against the ongoing challenges and obstacles going on at the time.

The main commitment at the time the work began was to harvest and demonstrate the skills the children had learned to local and surrounding communities. In addition, as many of the children were orphans staying at the orphanage, it was hoped these demonstrations would prove that the project assisted all children interested in learning, whether abandoned, impoverished or otherwise.

Studies and reports in 2016 and 2017 shows that REAP is still alive and well. In fact, there have been many developments since those early days of the project. For example, there are now a number of student clubs, student led learning programs, a school feeding program and girls empowerment club. In addition, there are now scholarships available to students, computer training and collaborative partnerships. Whereas, work to enhance the library and provide teacher accommodations was recently completed.

It is easy to see, especially with all that has transcended since the inception of the project, that REAP is a much needed and respected organization. As such, whether volunteering, donating or making sure the program continues to be funded, it is important that this type support continue now and in the future. Otherwise, it is difficult to know what will become of the children whom the organization helps with education and career training, almost on a daily basis.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment