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02 February 2018

Overview Of The Successful Rwanda Education Assistance Project

By Virginia Jackson


Education and charity often go hand in hand. When it comes to the Rwanda Education Assistance Project also known as REAP, nothing could be more true. For, the project works with Rwandan children to provide an education that is accessible to all in Rwanda. As a result, the group assist children of all economic, racial and social backgrounds with educations towards a number of different careers.

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 visiting the orphanage, the two became aware of the students desire to learn and were inspired to create the project. Having been discovered in 2006, it took up until 2008 before the non-profit began operating in the area. After which, the work with the children, orphanage and school began to take shape against the ongoing challenges and obstacles going on at the time.

As the orphan children attend the local complex school, the school was the best option for an operation center for the project. In the process, the organization discovered that by focusing on the local community and surrounding area, the students could demonstrate the skills which had been learned as part of the program. In addition, as many of these children were orphans, it would also show that regardless of economic or social status, even the poorest and most vulnerable could learn in ways to become a product citizen.

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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