Change feels like unlocking opportunities through education

For Rwandan student, Adeline, change feels like graduating after years of uncertainty, hardship and perseverance.

It feels like opportunity overcoming limitation.

It feels like a young woman discovering she is capable of more than she imagined.

And it feels like hope for an entire family’s future.

Parents In Desperate Need to Provide

Adeline comes from a large family and is one of seven children. Like many families in Rwanda facing financial hardship, her parents simply could not afford school fees for all of their children. All their efforts to work and provide for their children fell short, and although Adeline loved learning, continuing her education often felt near impossible.

Adeline reflects, “Financially, things used to be incredibly difficult to the point where I almost dropped out of school due to my family’s limited means. It wasn’t easy at all. I studied under the burden of school debts and constant struggles.”

For many students living in poverty, financial pressure becomes the end of their education journey. But in 2022, when Adeline joined the Education Sponsorship Program, everything began to change.

New Beginnings, New Hope

The Education Sponsorship Program aims to empower students through the provision of education. The goal is to see them graduate and go on to further study or training that leads to employment and sustainable income. We aim to see students grow into confident, mature adults who are able to think for themselves.

Adeline was supported to complete high school and went on to study an Advance Diploma in Mechatronics at a local institution. Adeline dedicated herself to her studies and maintained incredible results throughout her studies.

“When I was blessed with the opportunity to find sponsors, it completely transformed my education. They helped me reach my goals. I always loved studying, but the financial constraints made it hard. Once I got that opportunity, I made the most of it. Being backed by supporters who invested in my education truly motivated me to work even harder.”

Unlocked Opportunities

We recently celebrated Adeline’s graduation with an Advanced Diploma in Mechatronics Technology — a field involving electricity, renewable energy, industrial automation and machine systems. Her studies included internships which equipped her with the skills to work in environments where machines and systems are used to improve efficiency and reduce manual labour.

“I was deeply motivated by knowing that I have people standing behind me and supporting me. I also personally have a vision of where I want to go. Knowing I had that backing gave me the confidence that I would surely reach my destination.”

Adeline is now temporarily employed, earning income and supporting herself. She dreams of becoming an industrial engineer who helps solve complex problems and uplift others in her community, creating meaningful change through her work. But her dreams extend far beyond herself. She also hopes to support her younger siblings and help create opportunities for others in her community.

Your generosity can help more students like Adeline access education, pursue their dreams and create lasting change for their families and communities.

This is what change feels like.