A guest post from our partner, Foundation Rwanda

Many of you may remember when we first met Jean-Paul called “Boy” (by his mother) in 2007, pictured above at the age of thirteen. His body looked much younger than his age, as he and his mother, Isabelle, handicapped from the beatings and rapes she endured during the 1994 genocide, were living in poverty in the Rwandan countryside. Their story and this powerful image have informed every step of Foundation Rwanda’s work over the last fifteen years.

We last saw Jean-Paul at our 2015 bike build in Rwamagana when we partnered with BikeTown Africa to bring custom-made bikes to FR youth, to use for transport to and from school and the hospital, and to get firewood and water. The bikes were difficult to build with many foreign parts and few instructions. Our foreign volunteers and beneficiaries made the best of the experience, bonding over the challenges and cycling through the hills with our newly built bikes and the Rwandan National Cycling Team.

We NEVER could have imagined just how much that project and your support over the past 15 years would change Jean-Paul’s life! Watch the video to hear where he is now.

This holiday season, will you consider supporting Jean-Paul and his second-generation survivor peers? Your ongoing support will provide business loans, life-saving mental health counseling, and holistic support to hard-working FR youth in need.

Sending warm wishes to you and yours this holiday season.

With gratitude,

Jules, Sam, Emilienne, Raban, Liliane, Kawera, David, Jonathan, Sara, Mike & Dan

(The FR Team)

P.S. We have more creative ways to make an impact!

Give directly from your Donor Advised Fund.
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Include a gift to Foundation Rwanda in your will, trust, or estate plan.
Support Foundation Rwanda youth when you shop at smile.amazon.com
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