When the new school term approaches, many students across Rwanda prepare to return to the classroom, but for orphans and vulnerable children, this season often brings more anxiety than excitement.
The burden of school fees and lack of basic educational supplies can make it difficult for them to start the academic year on a strong footing. Understanding this challenge, the Abdullah Kiromba Foundation (AKF) in partnership with Zakat Foundation of America (ZF) have stepped in to make a significant difference.
For a second year in running, the foundation’s longstanding commitment to empowering disadvantaged communities, is providing crucial support to orphans in 12 districts across the country.
By covering school fees and supplying educational materials such as textbooks, notebooks, uniforms, writing tools and school bag’s, the Inititive ensures that hundreds of children begin their school year with dignity and the necessary resources to succeed.
For many of the children supported under this program, education is their only lifeline out of poverty.
The two Foundation’s intervention is not just about financial aid—it’s about restoring hope. As Donath Niyonsaba, the president of Abdallah Kiromba foundation explained, “Our goal is to give these children a fighting chance to shape their futures. Education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, and we want to make sure that no child is left behind because they cannot afford school fees or basic supplies.”
This year’s initiative has benefited over 100 orphans, those who reach 18 year’s automatically get replaced by others who are selected, both from primarily and secondary schools across districts including, Musanze, Gicumbi, Rubavu, Ngoma, Gatsibo, Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyarungege, Rwamagana, Kamonyi and Nyanza as well as Bugesera.
Additional, Abdullah Kiromba Foundation works closely with local leaders and schools to identify and select children in need, ensuring that the support reaches those who require it most.
Beyond school fees and materials, the foundation also offers mentorship programs aimed at guiding the beneficails through their educational journey.
The school program is designed to equip children with the skills needed to thrive not only in school but also in life and it is evident that the surplus of the funds have supported guardians in changing their life’s.
“Our support doesn’t end once the child steps into the classroom,” said the foundation’s president, “We follow their progress to help them overcome the obstacles they face, both in and outside of school.” he adds.
The foundation’s efforts have been widely praised by local authorities and beneficiaries alike. Uwamwezi Robinah from Rukomo, Gashenyi Cell in Nyagatare District expressed her gratitude saying that, she joined the program as a widow, her two children Nelson and Jackson don’t sleep on an empty stomach.
Uwamwezi Robinah from Rukomo, Gashenyi Cell in Nyagatare District
“My two children receive school fees and materials thanks to Abdullah Kiromba Foundation, without this assistance, I couldn’t afford to take them back to school.” The 38 year old adds.
Virginia Ngedahimana another beneficiary who lives in Gatoki village, Kabeza Cell in Gatsibo District explains that as a poor person she did not turn to buying good clothes or eating well after joining the program, rather she started saving the amount of money she received from the program.
“I saved up to Rwf 120,000 and bought a piece of land (10ft x 10ft) alihamdulillah rabilaramina. I have plans to add another 5ft in the future so that I can build a small house so that I can stop renting.” she noted
Such initiatives align with Rwanda’s broader goal of promoting inclusive education, ensuring that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, have equal access to quality education.
By investing in the education of vulnerable children, the Abdullah Kiromba Foundation and partners are also contributing to the country’s long-term development goals, fostering a generation that will lead Rwanda into a more prosperous future.
“We want to ensure that no child in Rwanda has to choose between education and survival. With the right support, these children can grow into empowered adults who will give back to their communities and help build a brighter future for Rwanda,” the foundation’s president further explains
When the new school term begins, hundreds of orphans across Rwanda will walk into their classrooms, confident that they have the tools they need to succeed, thanks to the both Zakat Foundation of America and Abdullah Kiromba Foundation’s unwavering support. For these children, education is more than just a right—it’s a path to a better life, and this program is making sure that path is open for them.
