In Rwanda, after students complete primary school (the equivalent of elementary and middle school), they go to secondary boarding school.
This includes the children who live at HFL’s rehabilitative home. Each year is bittersweet; we celebrate as a family when students continue to progress in school, and yet we also experience sadness when a HFL child graduates to boarding school as we no longer get to see them everyday. This year, two more students moved into secondary and we already feel their absence. Last month, we had a surprise visit from Olivier who came home to give us hugs and share what his new school is like! He is transitioning well and loves his new school!
Meet Aimable
“This year in school, I was #1 in my class! It makes me happy. My dream is to know modern and traditional dance. I would like to be the best and then get money and help street children like I have been helped. My other dream is to grow up and have a family. I want to be a father and I want to educate my children and class.” Aimable, 10-years-old
Recently, two volunteer staff members and myself had the chance to travel to Rwanda to visit the kids at Hope for Life’s home.
The Hope for Life (HFL) home is not just doing well but is truly thriving! We could sense it the moment we walked onto the beautiful property. Rwanda’s Executive Director, Chantal Umutesi, has built the best staff team HFL has ever had, and each and every child has an inspiring story of transformation. We had the opportunity to sit in on a few of their family devotional times—an experience that was deeply moving for us all. Our volunteer staff, Matthew Aina and Megan Busek, both return home even fiercer advocates for HFL.
I had the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with each member of HFL’s Rwanda-based leadership team, including staff and the Board of Directors. This trip has reaffirmed my conviction that the team there is immensely capable and have much to teach me and HFL’s partners and supporters. Over the past seven years, we have learned that cross-cultural ministry and community-based leadership development comes with a unique set of challenges, and I am thrilled to report that HFL is truly flourishing under Rwandan leadership.
Now more than ever, I am reminded how necessary it is for each of us to personally engage in this life-changing work, no matter which continent we call home. The team in Rwanda is dependent on the financial support and encouragement that you provide each month, while we depend on the expertise that our Rwandan staff brings to the hard work of affecting transformational change in their own community. It is beautiful how the success of HFL is dependent on each of our engagement in this process.
I look forward to sharing more inspiring stories at Hope for Life’s upcoming gala on March 18, 2017 in Mukilteo, Washington. Please consider joining us or giving in lieu of attending the event. We hope you can join us and believe that you will leave encouraged. To buy tickets, please visit www.auctria.com/auction/HopeForLifeAuction2017.
With deep gratitude for your continued partnership,
Did you get a chance to meet 12-year-old Eric in our recent video story? If you missed it, be sure to listen to him tell you how he found healing and friendship at Hope for Life. Meet him at: https://vimeo.com/hopeforliferwanda/eric2016.
HFL is Growing
Meet Hope for Life’s newest employee, Alicia Landis Choi! Alicia will serve in Seattle as our Administrative Coordinator helping to oversee the day-to-day operations that keep Hope for Life running smoothly. Alicia is an aspiring writer who is passionate about sustainable community partnerships, theology, culture and the outdoors. Join us in welcoming Alicia to the HFL family!
Mark your calendars for Hope for Life’s 3rd Annual Gala on March 18, 2017 in Mukilteo, Washington. An official invitation is coming soon.
Because of your generosity, kids like 6-year-old Elisha (pictured above) are celebrating finishing another year of school, and looking forward to 2017 with excitement and hope. Without help, they would likely be struggling to survive each day, without much hope for the future.
On behalf of the 175 lives impacted in Rwanda this year, thank you for an incredible year!
We are firm advocates that the best place a child can be is with their family, whenever possible. Thanks to your partnership, these three sisters, who were at risk of being forced to the streets by poverty, have been able to remain with their family and attend school.
Diana, Rachel, and Mediatrice (left to right)
Becoming Family
We are so proud of the amazing young men at HFL! The older boys truly treat the younger ones as their brothers and can often be seen offering advice, helping with homework, and participating in tickle fights.
Fostering Community Outside of HFL’s Walls
HFL’s kids blow us away. One of the students in Djuhudi and Olivier’s class has been sick so they recently spent a day visiting him and his family. Each month, you are helping to raise boys who are thoughtful, compassionate, and passionate about caring for their community.
Djuhudi (left) & Olivier (right) going to visit their friend
At HFL, we agree with the ancient African proverb that “It takes a village to raise a child.” This life changing work wouldn’t be possible with you. We offer our sincere thanks for being “the village” for so many children in Rwanda.
HFL’s Directors, Chantal and Megan, attended an annual conference organized by the Hovde Foundation, a partner of HFL since 2010 who provides shelter and support services to vulnerable children. The gathering was an informative and encouraging time to discuss best practices in the field with similar organizations from Africa and South America. The trip even included a day of fun in Disneyland, a first for Chantal. A big thank you to the Hove Foundation for the learning, memories, and continued partnership!
School Success
This year, the younger boys in HFL’s home switched to a higher quality school and we have seen drastic improvements in their educational success. Four children have learned how to read and all the kids are now excitedly having conversations daily with staff in English! They used to be hesitant to speak a new language, but now, thanks to their new teacher’s encouragement, the home is buzzing with English!
Thank you for playing your part to enable these exciting learning opportunities for the kids and staff. We are grateful for you!
Twenty of the top college-bound students in Rwanda boarded a bus in Kigali and made their way to Hope for Life, unsure of what to expect. As the bus parked and unloaded, they immediately found themselves surrounded in hugs. They didn’t know it then, but they were about to give the boys of Hope for Life one of the best days of their lives.
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] A day filled with joy and acrobatics.
Eugene*, 18, rarely engages with visitors to HFL, preferring instead to watch from the sidelines or disappear to his room. Something about today, though, felt different. Maybe it was the fact that the visitors, who are most typically foreigners, were fellow Rwandans who had achieved success and who came from communities like his. Maybe it was the fact that there were a plethora of activities for both the extroverted and the introverted kids. Maybe it was the commitment of the volunteer students to continue pursuing the hesitant kids and find something they could do together. Whatever it was, this day was different.
At the end of a day full of sports, crafts, acrobatics, and a lot of laughter, we watched as Eugene engaged in the giant dance party with confidence and freedom. His eyes met with ours and a giant smile immediately glowed on his face. A few days later, Eugene proudly declared, “The day with Bridge2Rwanda was the best day ever. I want to be in that program when I graduate from high school.” For a boy who struggles with hopelessness and self-esteem, seeing him begin to dream again is what this ministry is all about.
The boys enjoy a day filled with laughter, new friendships and dancing.
Over the next few days, both HFL’s and Bridge2Rwanda’s staff received dozens of questions from our youth about when they could see their new friends again. We look forward to making gathering such as these a more regular event.
Each month, you are helping to resuscitate the ability for Rwanda’s most vulnerable children to hope and dream again. Thank you!
*Fictional name for confidentiality[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
This passionate and talented young man recently graduated from auto-mechanic vocational school. After graduation, he transitioned out of our center and is currently looking for full-time employment. HFL will continue to support him until he is able to provide for himself financially.
LEARNING THE BIBLE
HFL’s Executive Director, Chantal, leads the younger children in an interactive Bible study outside our home.
TRANSFORMATION THROUGH ART
At HFL, we offer opportunities such as art and dance as important parts of the healing process. It provides an outlet for expression, helps one process their trauma, and helps develop a sense of empowerment and self-value.
Your support is a vital piece of the transformations that are occurring at HFL. Thank you for your partnership!
As soon as 9-year-old Aimable moved to Hope for Life’s home in January, he had one constant question. “Do I have a sponsor yet?” He even asked his friends to join him in prayer for this request.
In April, Aimable’s friend, 10-year-old Claude, boldly went up to a visitor to our home, Harry, and asked, “Will you be Aimable’s sponsor?” Our staff nudged him and apologized. We knew that Claude was only trying to help Aimable.
Aimable’s prayers were soon answered when Harry came back with his entire family from the UK to tell Aimable that they were going to sponsor him! As Aimable was told that he had not just one sponsor, but an entire family, he responded with dance. Tears were shed at just how beautiful the moment was. His joy was seen in every step and spin. For him, this day was unlike any other and he was dancing like it.
After experiencing years of abuse, neglect, and almost death at the hands of his biological family, Aimable is overjoyed to be part of the HFL community and his sponsor’s family. One of his sponsors, Hannah, told us, “Visiting Rwanda didn’t just give our family amazing memories and a time none of us will ever forget, but it also brought the long awaited 5th member of our family.”
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]Aimable receiving a hug from his sponsors, Hannah and Jane (from left to right).
Your love and sponsorship mean the world to each child in our community. It has the ability to change a child’s outlook on life, heal past wounds, and shape a healthy future. Thank you for being a part of the HFL family!
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]Aimable having fun with Harry.
Interested in sponsoring a child? There are 15 kids who still need sponsors. Find out more at:http://www.hopeforlife.us/sponsor-a-child/[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Hope For Life staff scanned the crowded market, and instantly spotted 8-year-old Eric. He was severely malnourished and suffered from a critical case of untreated scabies, leaving open wounds across his body. He spent the next few weeks recovering at Hope for Life. We learned that Eric’s father had left the family when Eric was 6. Eric’s 10-year-old sister Diane worked at the market all day with their mom, who struggled with alcoholism and violence, often dwelling with abusive boyfriends.
Over the next five years, Eric has lived at our home, and Diane has lived with a foster family nearby. Both children are thriving.Today, Eric is a role model for the younger boys, and is consistently one of the top performing students in his class. Despite the neglect and abuse he experienced in his childhood, a deep love for his parents has remained in his heart, leading him to pray for them regularly.
Unfortunately, however, Eric’s mom remains neglectful, and they hadn’t heard from their father in eight years. Despite the odds, we didn’t give up. After five years of searching, we finally located their father earlier this year.
We accompanied Eric and Diane to see their father. It was a challenging and wonderful day. Rwandan Executive Director, Chantal, said, “Eric was so happy to know that he resembles his dad.” They spent the day together and were able to talk through some of their challenging pasts, bringing healing and hope.
Although it’s not a possibility for Eric and Diane to live with either biological parent at this point, they are pleased to remain in contact as they slowly mend their relationships.
Thanks to your support and partnership, families like Eric’s are slowly being restored.
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Anathalie enjoys working with children, adults, and families to find healthy perceptions of themselves and make positive future achievements. She is passionate about facilitating the healing process for people who have gone through traumatic experiences. Anathalie holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Rwanda and a Master in Public Health from Mount Kenya University.
Josiane Umutoniwase
Family Support & Monitoring Coordinator
Josiane is passionate about child protection and psychosocial initiatives with over 10 years experience in child protection programs, behaviour change, and community awareness activities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from the National University of Rwanda and is certified in clinical Supervision through the University of Rwanda. Josiane is a registered clinical psychologist with the Rwanda Allied Health Professions Council
Tressa Sylwester
US Board Member
Tressa (she/her) has a background of more than two decades working alongside US-based, international, and cross-national nonprofits, mainly focused on relief and development. She has experience in a wide range of roles, including Human Resources, Grant Writing, Finance, and more. She was introduced to HFL through a friend and was strongly drawn to the organization’s holistic approach to addressing community needs.
Esther Bayizere
SUPPORT STAFF
Esther wears many hats at HFL’s office, from clearing to preparing meals.
Marie Chantal Numukobwa
TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Chantal is passionate about working with vulnerable children and seeing them experience holistic wellbeing. She oversees the work in the Transitional Program and serves as a child and family therapist. She has more than 17 years of experience as a therapist, school counselor, and in women empowerment programs. Chantal holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and an advanced diploma in Mental Health Nursing.
Emmanuel Niyomugabo
RWANDA CASE ATTENDANT
Emmanuel, a former HFL beneficiary, supports youth in educational services. He leads catch-up classes, school work revision, and ensures youth who have dropped out of school are able to successfully return to the classroom.
Alessandra Durham
US BOARD MEMBER
Alessandra serves as Chief of Staff for Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. She has worked on critical issues such as affordable housing, the opioid epidemic, race and social justice, developed and strengthened relationships with communities furthest from opportunity to ensure more diverse perspectives are considered in policy development, played a key role in the response to COVID-19, and led Snohomish County’s refugee resettlement efforts in collaboration with community and non-profit partners.
Alessandra was raised in Snohomish County and resides in Everett. She attended the University of Washington and holds bachelor’s degree in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior and holds a master’s degree in business administration. Alessandra enjoys biking, exploring trails, traveling, reading, playing with her Shiba Inu, and spending time with her family and friends.
Emily Barnes
Advisor, US Board of Directors
Emily works as a Washington State Auditor and is passionate about social justice, fighting homelessness, and nonprofit finance. In addition to being a CPA, Emily holds a BA in International Development, an MA in Public Administration, and certificates in Accounting and Nonprofit Management. We are grateful for her and the expertise she brings to the organization.
