The Wikwiheba StoryThe Genocide in Rwanda in 1994 and the continuing AIDS epidemic have left many children in a dire situation. Some care for smaller siblings and sick parents; others have lost their parents and have no secure home. They all need nutrition, community support and a route out of poverty.
In 2003, the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda (EPR) founded the project Wikwiheba („Never lose hope“) in order to feed these children once a day to make learning in school possible. In addition to feeding primary school students, Wikwiheba funds both secondary school fees and materials and vocational training for some adolescents to enable them to become self-supporting members of society. For these orphans and impoverished children, Wikwiheba can:
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Let's give back!Our picture of Africa is still influenced by some of the most dehumanizing stereotypes: weak, incapable, without discipline and real capabilities. While systemic and individual challenges remain we experience an Africa that challenges us all to drop the stereotype. We are experiencing a vibrant community of proud people dedicated to developing their worlds with discipline, dignity and vision.
We as nonprofits are not here for saving other people's world. We are here to empower others to save their own world and to boost whatever sustainable initiative comes from within the specific context we are dedicated to. One meal per day for one of our school kids in Byumba does not necessarily mean saving a life. But it means setting the ground for a young kid to take charge and save it's own life by being able to learn and study in school. And education is what will eventually inspire them to be responsible citizens and leaders in their communities. We all now how important a helping hand can be and we all have experienced it in some way or another. So let's give back ourselves. Your help is much appreciated! |
Wikwiheba USA is a nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible. Since the administrative costs are met by a specific donation, every cent will be given to the project. The easiest way to give is through PayPal. If you prefer to send a check, please mail it to:
Wikwiheba USA c/o Crayton Bedford 26 N Pershing Rd Asheville, NC 28805 United States |
The Outcome
Claude Mutabazi, minister of the EPR congregation in Byumba, writes: „The outcome is 100% positive because the children actually learn while in school, develop normally and feel as if they have a family.“
Wikwiheba has supported more than 354 children with a daily meal. From 20 children in 2003, the program has grown to 65 children. Wikwiheba has also found foster families so that in 2013 only four children still lived alone. |
The NeedThe needs of the project have been met financially by donations from Germany and the United States and by material, time and energy of volunteers from the Presbyterian congregation in Byumba.
By founding nonprofit organizations in both Germany and the United States our partners in Rwanda can now expect transparent and reliable support and funding. After having constructed four buildings for offices, dining hall, kitchen, toilet and shelter for cows, the project needs to cover operating costs of approximately 30,000 Dollars yearly. |
„Every donation to the project is an act of concrete neighborly love. We thank you for your engagement with this project.“ If you would like to avoid hassle and fees for an international wire transfer, please make use of our Paypal option. Be aware though, that Paypal deducts a fee for the transfer as well. |
Muhawenimana's story
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My name is Muhawenimana Jean du Dieu. I am 13 years old. I thank you for everything you have done for me. I had no hope of surviving, but with God´s grace I have gotten support from you.
The problems are always there, but you have shown that life can be possible for orphans. Before, I was living on the street, I had no shelter, no place to stay, but now I do. And I have to do everything so that I do not have to live the old life again. Because I am with Wikwiheba, now I have everything. We all think: all that you have done for us, we also want to do for others. That is now our mission. Maybe there are other orphans who haven´t had this chance but we had this chance because of the food you provided and we are very happy about it. Give our greetings to all the brothers and sisters who are not here but who are thinking of us. Please tell them that the children from Wikwiheba greet them. God bless you and thank you. |
