HEARTFELT GRATITUDE FROM RWANDA: 2016 REPORT FROM NEW HOPE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
Have you recently attended a WFWP USA Schools of Africa benefit? Perhaps you’ve joined one of our local chapters in an evening of music, food, and stories from Africa. Perhaps you were even moved to donate to this worthy cause. This year, your donations went toward a total of $5,000 which was sent to the New Hope Technical Institute in Kigali, Rwanda. The money went toward much needed equipment and materials for the school’s courses in culinary arts and dressmaking. The school was also able to purchase several fire extinguishers and fans for the classrooms.
The New Hope Technical Institute currently has 117 students, 41 students enrolled in culinary arts, 38 in dressmaking, and 38 pursuing hairdressing/beautician courses. Many of these students also face economic hardships, which makes attending the courses difficult. Thus, the school supported 55 students this year with scholarships.
One special visitor this year was Haruna Tanaka, an expert in Thai massage therapy. She was able to pass on her massage skills to the students and teachers. Many students found this new skill to be invaluable to their jobs in the field.
One graduate, Azama, said that there are many salons in Goma, DRC, where she works. Recently, her manager had to fire some of the staff. However, “I am still working because I know how to massage which is really appreciated by customers. I can continue to help my family. I really thank Haruna Tanaka and New Hope.”
Another graduate, Silivier, said that though she wasn’t able to get a job immediately after graduation, she was able to create a small school in her home, teaching others her massage skills. “Even though I could not buy some clothes, cream for my face, or soap that I need before, now I can. I am so happy!”
We hope you will enjoy some of the photos sent from the New Hope Technical Institute. Know that your continued support really does make a profound difference in these students’ lives.
