Early this year, thanks to the dedication and fundraising efforts of several local chapters, WFWP USA sent $6,000 to the New Hope Technical Institute in Kigali, Rwanda for much-needed training materials and supplies. Founded in 1996, the school teaches one-year technical courses in dressmaking, hairdressing/beautician, and culinary skills. Courses include classes in English, French, Ethics, and Business Administration as well as a three-month internship program. The aim is for students to gain practical vocational skills to become financially independent. In 2015, there were a total of 107 students, 34 enrolled in dressmaking, 38 enrolled in hairdressing/beautician, and 35 enrolled in the culinary tracks.

Materials that were bought with the $6,000 donated in 2015 are as follows: 2 serger machines, one column training machine for decorative stitching, two machines for buttonholes, and 5 motors of original sewing machines for the tailoring course; 2 metric tables, 2 cupboards, 4 heat insulating containers, and reparation of the kitchen for the cooking course; and for the hairdressing course, 6 pairs of clippers, 2 hair flats, 2 dryers, and 5 nippers.

According to Georgette Umnbyeyi, President of WFWP Rwanda, some students walk up to two hours every day to attend the courses at the New Hope Technical Institute, which demonstrates how determined the students are to learn the skills that will help them become self-sufficient in the future. She extends her heartfelt gratitude to all the WFWP USA volunteers and supporters who have raised money to support the school: “We want them to know that the results of their efforts really do make a profound difference in the lives of the people that this project serves.” Click here to read her thank you letter in its entirety.

Currently, many of the students are completing internships in shops, restaurants, and salons. For many of them, this is an extremely important time since their internships may lead to jobs.

In addition to the material support from WFWP USA, the New Hope Technical Institute has recently benefited from volunteers visiting the school to teach new skills. From May 11 to 30, two young volunteers from Japan visited: Haruna Tanaka and Minori Tanaka. Haruna is an expert in Thai massage while Minori is a manicurist; they taught massage and manicure skills, adding to the repertoire of both students and teachers. A Canadian sewing teacher and clothing designer, Mrs. Johanne St. Louis, who has been working in Rwanda for 6 years on various projects, also visited the school to teach tailoring skills. Especially the teachers acquired much knowledge and experience from her visit, which will certainly benefit many current and future students.

An additional aspect of the project in Rwanda is the foster parent program, which has been active since 1999. Through the foster parent program, students who are facing financial difficulties at home that make it difficult to continue schooling receive financial aid and/or scholarships. Though the Rwanda genocide occurred 21 years ago, the country is still going through many difficulties and many children have been living with the aftermath of this tragedy. However, according to Ms. Umnbyeyi, the children she works with have more hope and dreams for the future compared to 20 years ago. This year, the New Hope Technical Institute is supporting 40 foster children.