Tag: sponsor a child

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!

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.

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…

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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!

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:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

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. 

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.

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

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

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!