Discovering 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.

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.

A father and daughter volunteer team are to thank for the establishment of REAP. For, Edward and daughter Rachel Ballen traveled to Rwanda to volunteer with a local orphanage. During the visit, the two discovered how much love the Rwandan children had for learning. After which, the two became involved with the orphanage, local public school and food distribution center to implement REAP.

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.

Studies and reports in 2016 and 2017 shows that REAP is still alive and well. In fact, there have been many developments since those early days of the project. For example, there are now a number of student clubs, student led learning programs, a school feeding program and girls empowerment club. In addition, there are now scholarships available to students, computer training and collaborative partnerships. Whereas, work to enhance the library and provide teacher accommodations was recently completed.

The proof is somewhat sufficient that REAP has been a beneficial program in Rwanda and the surrounding area. While this is the case, without the support of donors, volunteers and project leaders, this would have never been the case. It is hoped that there will now be new project leaders, volunteers and financial donors so that the work can continue now and well into the future.




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