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From the Street Child Program to an Engineering Degree: Idrissa’s Journey

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By Idrissa Dusengimana

Idrissa on graduation day in May, 2025

My name is Idrissa Dusengimana. I’m 23 years old and live in Kigali, Rwanda, with my mother and two younger siblings. My journey began in pain and struggle, but in May this year, I graduated university with a degree in mechatronics engineering. I was in the first group of children to join Rising Above the Storms’ Street Child Program when it started in 2017, and the first to go to university—and graduate.

Idrissa with Mother & Younger Sister

Before RAS, life was full of trauma…

I grew up in a Muslim family of five. My father was a truck driver. My mother stayed home to raise us. But our home was filled with fear. My father drank heavily and beat my mother at night. The police came more than once. At school, I carried that pain with me. I used to believe maybe everyone in the world was like him.

In 2014, after another arrest, my father left for good…

He sent his sister to collect his things. My mother was left with nothing but three children and debt. I had just finished primary school and was supposed to start secondary (grades 7-12), but we had no money. My mother asked my father to help. He refused. So, she took a small loan from friends and sent me to school. Later, she began street vending to support us.

Even then, staying in school was difficult…

There were times I couldn’t get my report card because my mother hadn’t paid school fees. That meant I couldn’t move forward like the other students. I felt stuck and discouraged. But I always liked learning. I’m a visual learner, and I enjoy understanding how things work—especially in mechanical design.

Idrissa with the first group of street children in 2017 (back center with purple shirt)

It was during this time, in 2017, that my life changed…

My little brother came home saying he met people helping street children. The next day, my sister and I went to see them. That’s how I became one of the first students in the new Street Child Program at Rising Above the Storms.

RAS gave us basic needs and encouraged us to continue school…

They gave us counseling and emotional support when I needed it most. I was going through a rough time and didn’t know what direction to take. RAS helped me stay off the streets and choose the right path—to stay in school and keep learning.

With RAS’ help, I stayed focused and worked hard. I ranked among the top students…

Then RAS started the Scholarship Program to pay school expenses for kids like me who earned good grades.  They supported me for the rest of my secondary education, where I attended a boarding school.  Then I scored well enough in the national exams during my senior year that I earned a government scholarship to university.

Now, I just completed my engineering degree…

I love what I’m studying, especially mechanical design. I’m hoping to find a job with a company where I can use what I’ve learned and keep growing.

Without RAS, I would not be here…

I might have stayed on the streets. But instead, I’m graduating with a university degree. Thank you to everyone at RAS. You helped me rise above the storm. I hope more children like me—those who want to learn but can’t afford school—will get the same chance. There are many kids who just need someone to believe in them.

Idrissa encouraging younger students in our program at a retreat in December 2024

Now Idrissa the mentor…

Idrissa continues to visit RAS’ street children and scholarship students to share his story and encourage them. He wants to be a role model and mentor to inspire others to rise too.  Support children like Idrissa through one of RAS’ 3 programs:

(1) Street Child program: Children are rescued from the street, rehabilitated through counseling, and reintegrated into schools and their communities.

(2) High aptitude program: Scholarships and financial aid are awarded to high-aptitude children from low-income families, enabling them to attend grade 1 – 12.

(3) Higher Learning program: Financial aid and mentorship assistance for bright students from low-income families who are currently attending university.

Dignity Should Be a Right, Not a Privilege – Extending Compassion Beyond the Classroom

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By Alphonsine Anderson, Founder, Rising Above the Storms

I know what it’s like to be gifted, determined and still go to bed hungry. I earned a full scholarship, yet wondered where my next meal or pair of shoes would come from...

As a student in Rwanda, I worked relentlessly and earned my place in top schools. But growing up without parents, even with tuition fully covered, I struggled to survive. I often went without meals. I borrowed soap and toothpaste from classmates. I slept on a thin mattress—or none at all. I timed my visits around lunchtime, hoping to be offered a bite.

No scholarship covers hunger and no test score erases shame. ..

This is the part of education we rarely speak about—the invisible burdens students carry from the dormitory to the classroom. And in Rwanda, many secondary and university students must live far from home. They are required to bring with them all the basics needed for dormitory life or off-campus housing: a mattress to sleep on, bedding, a bucket for bathing and laundry, and hygiene kits with soap, toothpaste, sanitary pads, etc. These aren’t luxuries—they are lifelines.

What helped me persevere were the smallest acts of kindness: a few Rwandan francs, a shared meal, a safe place to rest…

That’s why I founded Rising Above the Storms, so our students would never have to choose between education and dignity. At our Center, meals aren’t a reward. They are a right. No child is ever asked if they deserve to eat. And while we proudly provide tuition and academic supplies, most of the youth we serve—especially those from the most vulnerable families—still need essentials to stay in school:

These aren’t extras, they are fundamentals…

  • 🛏 A mattress for their dormitory bed
  • 🪣 A bucket to wash with
  • 🧼 Hygiene supplies no one should have to go without
  • 🍛 Room and board support for college students, which government scholarships do not cover

This is the difference between staying confident or dropping out…

It’s the difference between being seen with dignity—or struggling in shame. Each year, as Rwanda’s academic year begins (September–July), Rising Above the Storms launches our Annual Student Essentials Campaign—a focused effort to bridge the gap between tuition and total wellbeing. This is your invitation to stand in that gap with us.

  • 🎒 Give more than a chance—give dignity
  • 🧼 Provide a hygiene kit
  • 🛏 Buy a mattress
  • 🍲 Support room and board for a student

Your one-time gift, monthly donation, or sponsorship pledge helps ensure students don’t just stay in school—they rise with hope, pride, and the power to dream.

CLICK HERE -> Let’s rise together—for their dignity, their dreams, and their future. Donate or fundraise as a team!

From Walking Barefoot to University: How RAS Helped Me Rise

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Fabrice, December 2024

April 20, 2025 | by Fabrice Ngirakamaro

There was a time when the future looked uncertain, clouded by hardship and limited opportunities…

Each day felt like navigating a storm without a compass—every step forward met with winds of doubt and waves of discouragement.  I lived far from school, and every day started before sunrise. The dusty road stretched ahead, and sometimes I walked hungry, with only determination as my fuel. My home was small, shared with siblings who looked up to me. The noise, the distractions, and sometimes the silence of an empty stomach made studying a real challenge.

Alphonsine interviewing Fabrice in December 2023

I struggled with basic needs. I didn’t always have textbooks. There were days I almost gave up. My friends were dropping out one by one—some for lack of support, others from pressure at home. I remember one rainy season; I had no shoes. I walked to school barefoot, my feet muddy and cold, but I kept going.  Nights were no easier. With no electricity, I studied under the flicker of a kerosene lamp. I’d squint over my notes, fighting sleep and the biting mosquitoes. Sometimes I asked myself, “Is it worth it?”

When my father passed away in 2020, it felt like the ground had been ripped from beneath our feet. The weight of grief, uncertainty, and financial strain pressed down on our family like a storm with no end in sight. Every day was a struggle to navigate life without his presence—his guidance, his laughter, and his strength. We didn’t know how we would manage, or where to even begin picking up the pieces. The future felt like a dark, unfamiliar road.

But in the midst of that darkness, Rising Above the Storms found me and became a beacon of hope…

Alphonsine with Fabrice & his brother in the program, December 2024

RAS stepped in with compassion, practical support, and unwavering encouragement. From paying my school fees to helping with basic needs and emotional support, they reminded me that I’m not alone. Their presence didn’t erase the pain, but it eased the burden and gave me room to breathe again. With their help, I began to feel a sense of purpose and hope for tomorrow.

Fabrice inspiring younger students, December 2024

When RAS sponsored my education, it felt like someone finally saw potential in me.  But every day after that came with its own challenges.  I still had to walk a long distance to school. At home, there were responsibilities—chores, caring for my younger siblings, and sometimes going to bed hungry.  When the exams came, I was nervous—but ready. I gave it my all. And when the results were announced, I couldn’t believe it—I passed!  I cried that day. Not just tears of joy, but of relief. All the pain, all the sacrifice, it meant something. I made it.

Fabrice at a retreat for students in December 2024

I still remember that feeling. It wasn’t just about the grades—it was about proving to myself that I could rise above the storms of life, no matter what tried to hold me down. Now, I’m pursuing a university education. I don’t know what challenges lie ahead, but I know this for sure: I am rising. And I am not done yet.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my amazing sponsors through RAS, Lynette & Larry Rambo, for their unwavering support and generosity…

Fabrice with his sponsors Lynette & Larry Rambo in July 2024

You have played a vital role in helping me reach this exciting milestone—I am now preparing to join university. This opportunity means the world to me, and it would not have been possible without your belief in my potential and your constant encouragement. Thank you for investing in my future and walking alongside me in this journey.

Fabrice helping a younger student, December 2024

I am also deeply grateful for the laptop.  At first this laptop was just a machine to me—metal, plastic, circuits. But it became a bridge to hope, to learning, and to opportunities I once thought were beyond my reach. With it, I learned new skills—coding, digital design, cybersecurity, data entry, and more. This laptop became my classroom, my workshop and my opportunity. More than anything, it became a symbol of what’s possible when someone believes in you.

Every time I power it on, I’m reminded: storms don’t last forever. But the strength you gain by rising above them? That stays with you forever.

Sponsor a child’s education like Lynette & Larry and make a difference!

Note: Fabrice is part of our education program that provides financial aid to children with high aptitudes in grade school.  He will be graduating to our higher learning program that provides aid to students going to university.

From Hardship to Hope: How RAS Helped Me Became a Top IT Student in Rwanda

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March 7, 2025 | by Honorine Irakoze

My name is Promise Honorine In Irakoze, and I live in Kigali, Rwanda. I come from a family of six children, and have both of my parents. I finished high school and recently started university, but getting here was not easy. Let me share my story.

When I was younger, life was good. Both of my parents had jobs. My father was a driver, and he owned a car that he used to transport goods. My mother had a small restaurant where she sold fast food. Their income was enough to take care of our family.

Tragedy struck & my parents struggled to afford basic needs…

One day, my father had an accident. The goods he was transporting were destroyed, and his car was badly damaged. He had taken a bank loan to buy those goods, and now he also needed money to fix the car. Even after repairing it, the car still had problems, so he decided to sell it.

After selling the car, our financial situation became worse. My father lost his job, and my mother’s business also failed. Since they had to repay the bank loan, they had no choice but to sell our house. We had to move into a rented home, and life became very difficult. We struggled to afford food, clothes, and school fees.

School sent me home because we couldn’t afford fees…

Even though things were hard, I had one opportunity starting the 7th grade. My school had a rule: students who were first in their class and scored at least 80% on their report cards didn’t have to pay school fees. I worked very hard and always ranked first, so this part of my education was covered.

However, when I reached the 10th grade, things got tougher. At the new school, tuition fees were higher, and my parents couldn’t afford them. My father would beg the headmaster to let me continue studying, paying only small amounts when he could. Eventually, the headmaster got tired of this and sent me home in the third term. I missed two weeks of school while my classmates continued learning.

RAS stepped in to support my education…

During this difficult time, I met Rising Above the Storms. They stepped in and paid for my education. From then on, I didn’t have to worry about school fees. I focused on my studies and worked even harder.

Since 10th grade, I have always dreamed of being the top student in the National Examination. There were times when I felt discouraged because of our family’s struggles, but the support from RAS gave me hope. I stayed determined, and in the end, I achieved my dream. I became the top student in my field of study in high school in the country – Information Technology.

My top grade earned me a university scholarship…

That excellent grade helped me gain university admission, fulfilling my long-held dream of pursuing higher education. After my results were released, I began applying to various universities in the hopes of securing a place. Fortunately, I was admitted to Kepler College under the Kepler Scholarship and enrolled in the Business Analytics program—a great faculty that I believe will help me take a significant step toward my future career. I am certain that without RAS’s support, I wouldn’t have achieved any of this. Their support has truly shaped who I am today.

The journey was not easy, but I am truly grateful to RAS (Rising Above the Storms) for helping me make my dream come true. I may not have anything to give them right now, but I pray that God blesses them with long lives so I can continue to show my gratitude and make them proud.

I also want to thank my sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Anderson for their kindness and support. Their generosity played a big role in my success, and I will never forget it.

      Join the Anderson’s in sponsoring a child’s education and future like Honorine!

      A Journey of Hope: Reflections of Our Time in Rwanda (2024 Holiday Season)

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      Some of the students who attended the annual retreat for the scholarship program

      January 18, 202b | by Alphonsine Anderson

      As we returned from an unforgettable trip to Rwanda last week, my heart is still full and my spirit renewed. The time my husband and I spent with the remarkable children in our programs was nothing short of inspiring.  Over three days at our annual retreat, we celebrated their achievements, listened to their stories, and shared moments that reminded us why we do this work.

      Highlights That Touched Our Hearts

      The retreat was packed with powerful moments:

      Alizee N inspired students at the retreat with her journey from poverty to one of the youngest women banking executives in Rwanda
      • Inspiring Guest Speakers: Alizee N., a young banking executive, and Landry, a recent university graduate, shared their journeys of resilience and success. Their stories of overcoming poverty to achieve their dreams motivated our students to aim high and stay focused on their goals.
      Honorine shares how RAS is enabling her to pursue a future in cyber security
      • Celebrating Achievements: We honored top achievers like Honorine, the top ICT graduate in Rwanda, and students excelling in their national exams. Seeing their pride and determination reinforced the impact of education and mentorship.
      Idrissa, one of the first recruits to RAS in 2017, is finishing his 3rd year in engineering school
      • Student Testimonies: Hearing directly from our students was deeply moving. Idrissa shared his journey from the streets to nearing graduation in Mechatronics from Kigali Polytechnic College. Haven, an 11th-grade student at Lycee Notre Dame de Citeaux with aspirations of becoming a pilot, spoke of her unwavering ambition. Honorine expressed her gratitude and her dreams of becoming a cybersecurity specialist. Their words were a testament to the transformative power of opportunity and belief.

      Moments of Connection and Reflection

      Jacques, one of our students about to study anesthesiology in university next year

      One of the most meaningful parts of the retreat for me was the one-on-one conversations with several students. We discussed their aspirations, struggles, and dreams for the future. These moments reminded me of my own journey—losing my parents and siblings during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, pursuing education through scholarships in Rwanda and the U.S., and ultimately founding Rising Above the Storms. 

      Students at the retreat

      I shared my story with the students to show them that while current circumstances may be challenging, they do not define their future. I reminded them that I don’t do this work because I have excess resources, but because I believe in giving a chance to those who need it most.

      Kids asking me questions

      Beyond the retreat, I spent additional time with our dedicated staff and with students who weren’t able to attend the event.  During an “ask me anything” session, I gained incredible insights simply by listening. These conversations deepened my understanding of their aspirations and challenges, reaffirming our commitment to support them on their journeys.

      A Community of Support

      Students & staff celebrating the holiday season at the retreat

      This retreat wasn’t just about awards and speeches; it was about fostering hope, building confidence, and showing our students that their dreams are within reach. We celebrated the holidays together, shared meals, and created memories that will stay with us for a lifetime. None of this would be possible without the support of our incredible community—our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and partners. Your belief in our mission fuels these moments of transformation and joy. Together, we are shaping brighter futures and building a legacy of hope.

      Join Us in Making a Difference

      Students gathering from lunch during the retreat

      As we step into a new year, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness—helps us empower more children to rise above their circumstances. Let’s make 2025 a year of even greater impact.

      Thank you for being a part of this incredible mission. Together, we are transforming lives, one child at a time. Join us in sponsoring a child’s education and future!

      Ripples that Change the World – Our Rwandan Experience

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      Lynette & Larry Rambo with our children and staff in Rwanda July 2024

      September 24, 2024 | by Lynette Rambo

      “Muraho.” A simple “Hello” in Kinyarwanda was all it took to become endeared to the lovely people of Rwanda when we were there in June. We have been back in the US for two months, but my heart is still in this land of a thousand hills. My husband, Larry, and I had the privilege of celebrating my 60th birthday in Rwanda this year.  We saw gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, went on a safari, visited the Genocide Memorial (one of the most sobering experiences), attended Liberation Day at the capital stadium with 45,000 Rwandan’s, and more.  For me, the most meaningful days were the two spent with the children at Rising Above the Storms (RAS).

      Lynette & Larry with RAS director Alice at the Learning Center in Kigali

      I work for Cisco Systems. Cisco gives employees 80 hours per year of paid volunteer time, and I wanted to find a way to volunteer in Rwanda.  When a colleague learned I was going to Rwanda she introduced me to RAS’ founder Alphonsine Anderson, who also works at Cisco.  During our initial conversation, I asked Alphonsine what the children needed and wanted. She said they had been asking for a piano for years. That became my 60th birthday goal – to raise enough funds to buy them a piano and throw them a party!  My original goal was to raise $2,400.  However, peoples’ generosity was so overwhelming that we raised more than $7,000 from Cisco colleagues, friends and family!

      Lynette on the first day at the Learning Center

      On July 2nd, I met the four children we sponsor as well as the kids living at the center. The staff and I handed out clothing and shoes we brought from the US in our luggage. The children also shared their stories. I am so inspired by these kids and their resilience. Many have come from very tough situations. Some are orphans or have been abandoned. All are in the RAS program because of extreme poverty. If it were not for RAS, a lot of them would be on the streets.

      Lynette presenting the piano purchased with some staff and children

      On July 3rd, Larry and I spent the day with the staff and around sixty kids at the center. They threw me an unforgettable birthday party with lunch, handmade cards, a cake, songs and dances they had prepared, speeches, and gifts. We broke into six teams and had a LEGO building challenge and read a story in both English and Kinyarwanda. During the party, we also presented the piano and the part-time piano teacher RAS was able to hire because of the generous donations.

      We also announced the purchase of a laptop for one of the young men we sponsor to help him as he prepares for graduation and university. He is the sole provider for his three younger siblings. They are orphans who live with their grandmother. He was so happy that he started playing a song on the piano and singing. Nobody knew he could play!

      Fabrice, one of the children Lynette & Larry sponsor playing the piano during the celebration

      Our experience in Rwanda has been a gift that will keep giving. What has struck me most about meeting the children at RAS is this:

      • How friendly, loving and hopeful they are. I got to hug a lot of Rwandan children (and adults)!
      • The hunger they have for learning and the value they place on education
      • They are also often hungry for food and do not know where they will get their next meal
      • The impact the genocide is having on Rwandan society 30 years later. Recent epigenetics studies are showing that the trauma faced by genocide survivors has caused modifications to DNA that has led to increased risk of PTSD and depression in the children one and two generations later.
      • The extreme poverty so many Rwandans live with. Even if they have enough to eat, malnutrition may still be a factor because of the lack of variety of available food.
      • Appreciation for the simple things we take for granted in the US
      • How far $1 US goes (1340 Rwandan Francs)

      Rwanda and Rising Above the Storms has impacted me so significantly that my life and heart are changed forever. The work that RAS does in Kigali should be done in every community throughout the world so that no child gets left behind.

      Lynette distributing clothes and shoes to needy children

      As I think back on our travels, I am reminded of the beauty of this country and its volcanoes, jungles, and sparkling lakes. Even the smallest pebble dropped in water creates a ripple. Being the catalyst for positive change in one child’s life also creates a ripple. When given an opportunity, that child can be the catalyst for positive change in the world one person, one family, one community, one country at a time. I want to be the pebble that causes the ripple. Imagine how big the impact when we all drop our pebbles into the water together. 

      Ndagukunda (I love you in Kinyarwanda).

      If you would like to sponsor a child like Lynette click here.

      Divine’s Story of Resilience and Hope

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      Divine Ishimwe at the Rwanda Learning Center Summer 2024

      September 9, 2024 | by Alphonsine Anderson

      Divine is a remarkable 14-year-old student who was recently accepted into our scholarship program in Rwanda, designed for bright students facing financial hardship. This Spring she was preparing for her 9th-grade national exam, which would determine her eligibility to move on to 10th grade. Divine’s academic track record was consistently strong. However, we were shocked to learn that she failed. Initially, we considered placing her on probation. We have a long list of children waiting to get into our program, so we prioritize those who maintain higher grades. But something didn’t add up. After further investigation we discovered she was going through a lot of turmoil during the exam period.

      Divine has been raised by her aunt, which isn’t uncommon for children in our programs. She never knew her parents. Her mother tried to end Divine’s life when she was just a baby by throwing her into a toilet. By some miracle, she survived. Her mother disappeared and Divine never saw her again. Her father also abandoned her and moved to another country. Then he resurfaced during the week of the national exams, critically sick and in a coma. She met him for the first time but couldn’t exchange a word with him. A few days later he passed away.

      Adding to Divine’s immense emotional burden is the tragic legacy of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, a horror that Rwandans, including myself, know all too well. But for Divine, her family’s story is especially complicated.  Her mother’s family were perpetrators during the genocide, responsible for the deaths of people in her father’s family. This deeply painful and tangled history, combined with meeting her father on his deathbed, must have stirred unimaginable emotions as she sat for her national exams.  When I heard Divine’s story, I was deeply saddened by her ordeal. 

      Her academic situation reminded me of a moment in my own life, during graduate school in Rochester, NY, when my younger sister was gravely ill, thousands of miles away. The stress caused me to get a B in a course when I normally received straight A’s. It made me reflect on how personal turmoil can weigh down even the brightest of students. If that was my experience, I can’t begin to fathom what Divine was going through at the time of her exams at 14 years old.

      Divine’s story is one of many at Rising Above the Storms. Our students are resilient, but they carry burdens no child should have to bear. We may not have the power to erase their pain, but through education and emotional support, we aim to be a source of hope and light in their lives. I invite you to be part of this mission. Your support can make a real difference for students like Divine, offering them not just an education but the chance to rise above the storms in their lives. Together, we can help them find strength, healing, and the possibility of a brighter future.

      Please consider sponsoring a child like Divine to support his or her educational costs and basic needs by clicking here.

      My journey to becoming more empathic & generous

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      The original kids in the street child program during my first visit in 2018

      May 9, 2024 | by Matt Anderson

      By nature, I wasn’t born an empathetic person.  It takes effort to put myself in the shoes of other people.  I wasn’t as bad as Sheldon Cooper on the Big Bang Theory, for those who know the sitcom.  But sometimes loved ones had to point out to me when I was being insensitive.  And while I grew up knowing the virtue of generosity, I never really understood that it could be personally rewarding.  Then I met Alphonsine and learned about her story and I started to change.  It didn’t take long after we started dating for me realize that I found a keeper. 

      One time we had a conversation while we were dating about supporting family.  I held the opinion that you teach a man to fish rather than give him a fish as the saying goes.  She told me a story about how helpless she felt after being orphaned during the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.  Her dad appeared to her in a dream in a white robe and smiling.  She promised him that she would take care of his 3 surviving kids like he would.  When she awoke, she felt reassured and at peace.  She was only 13 years old at the time.  It started to sink in that some people are helpless or come from an extreme disadvantage. 

      Alphonsine’s 2 sisters in the middle and brother on the right

      My first trip to Rwanda was in November 2018.  This was the first time I met her younger siblings who were already adults.  They were throwing an engagement party for us.  They were all close and laughed a lot, not what I imagined after hearing the heart wrenching story she told me about how they barely survived the genocide as children and endured mistreatment from their foster family afterwards.  Alphonsine calls them her kids and they respect her like a mother, even though they are close friends.  With her help (and the hand of their Maker) they had finished their degrees and started careers and businesses.

      When I visited Alphonsine’s charity for the first time, they were still in the original building.  There were 15-20 younger children playing and laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world.  I couldn’t communicate with most of them, but some spoke broken English.  As soon as I started kicking a soccer ball around with them, they lit up and let me join their group.  When the staff assembled them inside and Alphonsine gave them a pep talk, I could see they respected her.  She inspired them that they could be like her and make it in this world, even though they come from extreme poverty. 

      Many of these kids had single mothers who resorted to prostitution to put food on the table.  Their living conditions at home are squalor.  They dropped out of school, ran away from home, and lived on the streets, begging and stealing for food.  Some took drugs.  Many of these kids weren’t even teenagers which is so sad.  Alphonsine told me there was a period during her youth when she was hungry, didn’t have a bed to sleep on and was encouraged to prostitute herself (which she didn’t) to support her siblings and pay for school.  She said this is why she started RAS, so she could give these kids hope.  Saddened by the plight of these kids, I started to realize that I have some empathy.

      View of Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda

      Now I don’t want readers to get the wrong impression of Rwanda.  It’s a beautiful country, its green and mountainous, everything was clean and orderly, and I felt safe.  I stood out like a sore thumb and got some odd looks when I said hi to strangers on the streets (something common in the Midwest where I grew up).  I learned that the government requires citizens to clean their neighborhoods once a month.  Our HOA should hire them to manage our community 😉  It’s also amazing to seen how they’ve rebuilt Rwanda into a nation that’s setting an example for other African nations (so I’m told by Africans from other nations) after the devastation only 30 years ago. 

      Fast forward 5 years.  Now it’s my 5th time to Rwanda.  As usual I really look forward to the trip, seeing her family and soaking in the beauty of Rwanda.  Now RAS is in a bigger facility which it’s quickly outgrowing with over 60 kids in the street child program.  The original kids I met 5 years ago are older, but I can still recognize their boyish faces in growing bodies.  One of them named Idrissa who went through RAS’s program came back to visit.  He graduated high school and received a scholarship to attend engineering school at a local university.  He’s become a role model.  It’s great to see kids like Idrissa follow in Alphonsine’s footsteps.

      Idrissa chatting with Alphonsine

      This time I also got to meet 30 kids who joined our new child scholarship program in 2022.  That brings are total kids served to about 100 and growing.  These kids weren’t rescued from the streets.  They are doing well at school and come from caring families.  However, their families are very poor and can’t afford their education expenses.  Schools withhold report cards for children who can’t pay tuition, so they can’t advance with their peers.  It’s unfortunate because they’re scoring at the top of their class.  These kids were exceptionally articulate and ambitious about their futures.  They especially admire Alphonsine as role model because they share a passion for education and that she’s successful. 

      After encountering these kids and the stories of people like my wife who went through hardship, I’ve been developing more compassion and challenging the way I think.  For example, when the topic of immigration came up in the past, I defended the law without regard to the situations from which immigrants might be coming.  Now knowing that my wife was a helpless refugee during the genocide helps me reframe the issue with more mercy.  Furthermore, I still believe you should teach a man to fish.  However, now I realize he still needs to eat in the meantime while he’s learning.  Generosity is personally rewarding when you see the impact, and I believe a legacy worth leaving behind.

      Lessons learned from life’s “ticking” moments

      Posted on by RAS

      April 24, 2023

      I came to the US almost nine years ago with a working permit, my family and tons of dreams and excitement of a new cool job and new adventures ahead. Six months later I was rocked by the news of an impending layoff, leaving me with just three months to find new employment before my work permit expired. I was facing challenges that I never experienced before, I was totally unsure on how everything was going to work out. The clock was “ticking”.

      At the end, things worked out. I secured a job and a new visa, and I was embarking again into new adventures.  One day I learned about this non-profit, “Rising Above the Storms” dedicated to helping children live their happiest lives. It was founded by Alphonsine Anderson, and it struck me how someone can go through life changing situations and then find a passion in helping kids to be happy. To be kids.

      This organization reminded me of the joy I saw in my son’s everyday life while going to school, playing soccer and just being a kid. That also made me reflect on some of the things I learned while the clock was “ticking”. Things that I wanted my son to learn since they will help him through life.

      • You have to overcome challenges in life and enjoy the ride.
      • Small actions can significantly impact the world.
      • The world is filled with good people ready to extend their help.

      I realized I wanted to contribute to a cause for children lacking the opportunities my son has and, probably, without someone guiding them through their lives. I decided to become a sponsor with “Rising Above the Storms” aiming to give back a portion of the good in my life. Remember, “small actions can significantly impact the world”.

      After being a sponsor for more than 5 years, I’ve seen how “Rising Above the Storms” has grown and positively impacted so many kids in getting scholarships, counseling, and even soccer shoes to play football. Getting hope.

      A couple of months ago, I received an invitation from Alphonsine to join her mission more closely. What a big honor! Now, I will be leading the marketing efforts for this incredible non-profit, and I’m excited to make a difference along with an amazing group of people. Remember, “the world is filled with good people ready to extend their help”.

      As I embark on this new role, I invite you to reflect on your life’s challenging moments, how you overcome them and consider how you can bring hope to others so they can also enjoy the ride of their lives. If you want to learn more, you can comment on this blog or reach out to me directly. I’d love to share how even the smallest act can ripple through the world with immense force.

      A simple donation means a lot. Please donate.

      Sergio Licea, RAS Marketing Director

      Bridging The Opportunity Gap: RAS Empowers Children From Low Income Families With Scholarships

      Posted on by RAS

      Last month we introduced our soccer club program and some of our older children who are going to the pros. This month we are excited to highlight our scholarship program.


      Education is one of the most important tenets we teach our children at Rising Above the Storms; however not all of our street children excel in school or have college aspirations.   At the same time, there are many vulnerable children who are bright but come from families that can’t afford their education.  This particular group of children is college bound!

      The staff recruited the first 30 students for our first cohort last Fall, representing a range of grades from primary to secondary schools (Grade 1 – 12).  We fund their tuition, uniforms, materials, and other school-related expenses.  Interest in the program has been incredible, and we already have a long waitlist for the next cohort.

      Our 5 Students Graduated in July 2023
      Meet Our 2023 Graduates

      This past July, 5 children in our scholarship program (all girls) took standardized tests this year to advance to the next grade. Rwanda tests children in grades 6, 9 & 12.  3 received perfect scores and 2 earned 83 percentile. We are very proud of them. Your donation makes it possible for children like these to continue pursuing their education.  You go girls!

      Idrissa studying on his laptop
      Idrissa studying on his laptop


      The scholarship program was partially inspired by Idrissa Dusengimana, the first street child to graduate high school in 2020 – and in the top of his class. He also received a scholarship to engineering school.  You can read his story here.  Idrissa wouldn’t have had this opportunity if not for our generous donors who help us make this happen.

      The Future

      Our current website is undergoing changes that will soon allow donors to directly sponsor students from our site.  You’ll be able to sponsor a child in primary school for $38 a month or secondary school for $55 a month.  Stay tuned for updates!  In the meantime, you can sponsor a child now on our website. Simply enter the amount ($38 or $55), and select recurring for a monthly donation. Our team will reach out to you with details about the students in our program from which you can select to sponsor.


      We’re also investing in our students’ futures in college and beyond through financial aid and by approaching businesses about mentorship and internship opportunities. We look forward to sharing more as this program expands and more are added.