Every child should have the right to achieve to her or his fullest potential. That is why Shelter Them supports young people who have that ability and desire to attend high school and even move on to post-secondary education. At the end of 2024, there were 39 secondary school students in our education program. Twelve students are in or about to enter college or university. In 2024, three more students have graduated from university, joining two others who have embarked on their own independent careers. Shelter Them has given these young men and women the opportunity build for themselves a productive and sustainable future of their own choosing!
Bio-Diversity Program for Secondary Students
This program started as a pilot project connecting students in Rwanda and Israel. It operates through partnership between four entities: Shelter Them, Israel-Rwanda Youth Development, the Harmony Foundation and This is My Earth. The IRYD and Harmony Foundation provide financial and technical assistance to the operations of this program. Students from both schools learn the importance of and practical actions for conserving biodiversity, experience group decision-making while identifying habitat for protection, enhance language and communication skills, and develop new skills in agriculture and other fields to protect biodiversity. The goals of the bio-diversity program align with the priorities of the Rwandan government.
No Limits to Success – Our College and University Students
Shelter Them believes that every child has the right to achieve to the best of their abilities, and so we support outstanding students in our care even past secondary school. Without the guidance and support of Shelter Them over the years, the children in our care could not have imagined a life that was not dictated by poverty. So far, five of our young adults have already graduated from university or college. As of 2024, six others are currently enrolled in college or university in various programs. They are on their way to determining their own course towards a sustainable and independent future. They have made their way through their own hard work and ability, but those abilities could never have been realized without Shelter Them. Below are the young adults of whom we are so proud.
Our 2024 Graduates
Jean d'Amour Iradukunda graduated from the University of Rwanda. He attended the College of Business and Economics and graduated in Business and Information Technology
Shakira Uwimana graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts from Rwanda Polytechnic. She will continue for one more year for a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies.
Josette Mbabazi graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Tourism and Destination Management at Rwanda Polytechnic. She will continue for one more year at the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Travel and Tourism Management.
Our Past Graduates
Marcel Iradukunda has graduated from Mount Kenya University Rwanda. He majored in Mass Media and Communication.
Khesia Niyonsenga has graduated from the University of Kigali. She majored in Business Management and Accounting.
Students Currently Studying in College or University
Aline Uwatese is currently enrolled in Year 4 at Mount Kenya University Rwanda. She will graduate in Business Management in the Department of International Business.
Kevine Uwumuhoza is currently in Year 3 at Mount Kenya University Rwanda. She is studying Mass Media and Communication.
Sandrine Niyigena is currently studying Business Management in Year 3 at Mount Kenya University Rwanda.
Daniel Kalamuzi is currently doing a diploma course in Cyber Security & Networking at ISBAT University in Kampala Uganda.
Kevine Ikirezi was awarded a scholarship to study Entrepreneur Leadership at the African Leadership University. She began her program in May, 2023.
Elie Itangishaka finished high school three years ago, has worked as a chef, and has returned to school at the Integrated Barista Training Centre in Kigali. He began his program in May, 2023.
We are so proud of these young people who have worked so hard to achieve their dreams. Listen to some of them as they comment on the impact of Shelter Them on their lives. (The video was produced by Marcel Iradukunda, our recent university graduate!)
Here is a young girl in Gateko who is just beginning her adventure in education. Do you think that she also deserves a chance to follow her dreams? So do we, and you can help. How?
· You can go to our homepage and make a donation to enable us to continue our work on behalf of all the children in our care.
· Or you can join our ECDC Club. For $15 a month, you can help to provide a fair start for all our young children in Gateko from ages 3 to 6 years as they begin their own quest to fulfill their dreams.
· Or for $40 a month, you can sponsor a boy or girl from Rwanda, and walk with that child along every step of his or her adventure towards a happy, fulfilling, and independent future. It is an adventure you will never forget!