RWANDA
I was volunteering at a primary school and orphanage for girls aged three to eighteen. My tasks, like washing dishes, were fairly menial, yet humbling and gave me plenty of time to spend with the orphans whose love seemed to radiate from their beings. More than anything, they wanted only to be loved in return, to be paid attention to and affirmed, that – yes! – they have self-worth.
- Matt P.
the BANANA fUNDWhen the Banana Fund was started one year ago, never did we expect it to grow as much as it has. Its' original purpose was only to raise necessary funds to supplement the diets of Children with bananas at a primary school and orphanage in Kigali, Rwanda. When we were moved to El Obeid, Sudan – and because of the success of the initial fundraising campaign made possible by generous donations from friends and family – the Banana Fund’s purpose expanded to help finance a number of worthy projects in both locations. It is a direct result of the love shown by the host communities to us and a similar love by the donors to the people of Rwanda and Sudan.
By the end of our service, donations from all over the US helped the Banana Fund reach a total of nearly $15,000. Benefiting Rwanda and Sudan equally, the money for Rwanda is used in: |
kigali, rwanda
Where the Salesian Sisters operate both an orphanage and primary school within the same compound. The primary school is attended by approximately 400 students and is seeking to expand by offering higher grades and better facilities. The orphanage is home to fifty-three girls aged three to eighteen; the girls come from all areas of Rwanda.
- Purchase fruit for one year to supplement the diets of children at a primary
school and orphanage; - Contribute toward the purchase solar panels to provide hot water for
orphan girls.
note from frank and matthew
To the donors, we, personally and on behalf of the Salesians (SDBs and FMAs), of VIDES, and of the children of Rwanda and Sudan, thank you very much. We are inspired by your selflessness and sacrifice; we are honored by your friendship and trust; we are encouraged that, together, we can change the world. Thank you!
Sincerely Yours,
Frank So, Matthew Putorti
and Sister Mary Gloria Mar, FMA
Director of VIDES+USA
P.S. Although we are no longer in Rwanda and Sudan, donations can still be made to VIDES+USA to support its work of sending other volunteers all over the world. Additionally, other VIDES volunteers, currently in Rwanda and Sudan, continue to serve the projects in the locations named above. Again, thank you!
Sincerely Yours,
Frank So, Matthew Putorti
and Sister Mary Gloria Mar, FMA
Director of VIDES+USA
P.S. Although we are no longer in Rwanda and Sudan, donations can still be made to VIDES+USA to support its work of sending other volunteers all over the world. Additionally, other VIDES volunteers, currently in Rwanda and Sudan, continue to serve the projects in the locations named above. Again, thank you!