Overview Of The Successful Rwanda Education Assistance Project

By Virginia Jackson


When it comes to charity and education, REAP is at the forefront. Standing for rwanda education assistance project, the organization works to help boys and girls of the area develop educational skills which can lead to careers in a number of areas. While this is the case, it can often be difficult for many to learn about the program.

The mission and vision of the group at the time included creating a vibrant future while enriching the environment of local and rural communities. Through these efforts, the group has been able to educate and prepare children to become responsible adults and productive citizens. As a result, many of these children go on to become active in education, politics and religion.

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.

As the children of the orphanage attend the local public school, the school was selected as a base for the organization to begin the project. In the process, REAP discovered that by focusing on one large but complex school and the surrounding community, it would be easier for the children to demonstrate skills which had been learned as part of the program. As the children are from a local orphanage, the organization also believed demonstrations of this nature would show that even the poorest and most vulnerable youth could benefit from the project.

Since inception in 2008, REAP has made a great deal of progress. The most recent reports from 2016 and 2017 reflect this reality in great detail. For, there is now a girls empowerment program, a school feeding program, a student learning program and student clubs. In addition, there has been a great deal of enhancement to a library, scholarships made available to students, computer training, collaborative partnerships and much needed accommodations for teachers.

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.




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