My last update from Rwanda

Small changes, big impact

Now that Christmas and New Year are over, life here in Rwanda has settled back to normal. December is always a special time for us. Kigali, where I live, is full of lights and music, churches are busy with services and communities come together to celebrate. At home we don’t exchange many presents, but we get together with family and friends for meals, dancing and lots of conversation. For New Year, we watched the local fireworks and I cooked a traditional dinner of roast goat, sweet potatoes and plantains. I’d love to hear about your celebrations! 

Since returning to work, I’ve continued to support my schools to bring play-based learning into their classrooms and to mentor teachers to support children with learning difficulties or disabilities. In one school, I spent a few days with teachers going through their class registers, using a simple checklist to pick up signs a child might be struggling with learning or concentration. Together we filled in pupil records and agreed small changes for each child – like seating them nearer the front of class, using sensory activities, or pairing them with a supportive class ‘buddy.’  

Every day, I get to see the difference these small changes are making. Children who were once struggling are now more engaged in class, making progress in their work, and growing into confident, curious, creative learners – whatever their ability. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making this change possible. We simply could not do it without your incredible support.

Look at the difference you’ve made here

Together, we’re sparking the beginning of real change for children in Rwanda. With the right early foundations, students are learning valuable skills, forming relationships and beginning to understand the world around them. Since this project began, with your generous and continued support, we’ve:

• Given 145,000 children aged 3-6 years the early-learning foundations needed to thrive 

• Reached 600 schools across 30 districts in Rwanda 

• Educated 2,500 parents through parent engagement sessions and awareness activities 

• Supported 2,000 pre-primary teachers through training, individual support and the VSO app 

• Engaged 2,500 local government officials and school leaders through annual workshops, school visits and School Improvement Plans

Our work here is setting children up for a future where they can flourish – breaking the cycle of poverty and creating real, lasting change here in Rwanda. I hope you feel as proud as I do for helping to make this possible. 

Introducing your new VSO volunteer, Alfred

Ejoka! (hello!). My name is Alfred and I’m a VSO volunteer working on an education project in Karamoja, a remote region in north-eastern Uganda. I’m delighted to introduce myself and tell you a bit about the work I’m doing with your support. 

Karamoja is a beautiful place, but life here can be hard. Challenges like unpredictable droughts, poverty and harmful social norms can mean accessing education isn’t possible for all children. Girls in particular face huge barriers. Some are forced into marriage - often before they turn 15 years-old - others are kept at home to do chores or care for younger brothers and sisters. While children with disabilities are sometimes hidden away because people think they are a curse. Some have never been to school at all. It’s a terrible situation.

That’s why I joined VSO as a volunteer, where I work alongside teachers, school leaders and parents to spark change for children in Uganda. I help teachers plan child-centred lessons, use simple, low-cost learning materials and make sure every child is included - especially girls and children with disabilities. I also support schools to create safer, more welcoming environments so children feel encouraged to stay in class and dream about their future. 

I like to say that when I support one teacher, I am helping hundreds of children find their future. It all starts with a spark. I can’t wait to share more with you about the girls returning to school, the children with disabilities engaging in lessons, and the teachers whose confidence is growing every day - all thanks to people like you. 

Until next time,

Alfred