Overview Of 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.

The organization has been working since 2009 with a rural public school in Eastern Rwanda and the local community. In doing so, the organization is helping to provide a better future through education. The mission and vision of the group include creating a vibrant future and enriching the environment for rural communities in Rwanda. In doing so, the group offers accessible education which prepares students to become responsible and productive citizens.

Children participate in a number of activities and events as part of the overall program. Whereas, children learn in an environment which encourages the development of active problem solvers, compassionate leaders and critical thinkers. After which, many of these children become active in different areas of the local and surrounding community.

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 at the orphanage, the two recognized the students desire to learn which inspired the organization now known as REAP. While having been discovered in 2006, it did not come to fruition until 2008 with work at the school starting in 2009. At which time, the organization officially began working with the orphanage and the children which it served. The main commitment at the time being to harvest the educational potential of each child in the face of ongoing challenges and obstacles including HIV, poverty and trauma related to a past of genocidal cleansing.

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.

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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