In early 2008, I had an amazing opportunity to travel to Rwanda and see the mystical Mountain Gorillas living in the forests around the country’s volcanoes. While there, I also had an opportunity to visit a primary school called “Mwiko.”

Once at the school, I was stunned. Mwiko has more than 700 children attending classes in very challenging conditions, including the absence of electricity and clean running water. The playground is nothing but dirt and an old, worn-out volleyball net.

Yet, despite all that is missing, the children and teachers gathered around me smiling, laughing, curious, inquisitive and eager. It was clear to me that these are children with the potential to make a difference to their community, country and our world.

That visit prompted me to become a Guiding Coalition member of Mothering Across Continents, where I spent more than a year working with other women and outside advisors to shape an Adopt-a-School effort called “Mentoring Mwiko: a program of education, nutrition and joy for a school in Rwanda.” See our new pictures below!

The the first phase of the project includes:

·         Education - English language training. Mwiko’s teachers are enthusiastic, but woefully short of materials and training. With funds I raise, a young Canadian teacher is providing three months of intensive English training for teachers and introducing a summer sports and activities curriculum.

·         Nutrition - Meals and sustainable agriculture. With guidance from an expert on small-scale, sustainable gardening in Africa, we can help the school develop its Environment Club as a training platform to improve diets and stem local soil loss and erosion.

·         Joy – Empowerment for the arts. Many schools in Africa, including Mwiko, lack resources to promote storytelling, dance and music. With a woman experienced in arts programs in Africa, we’ve been shaping an initiative to engage children in fun and creative activities and attract local artists help.

What does it cost to change the directon of 700 children's lives? I have a goal of raising $20,000 by June 2010. My dream is to see the project become sustainable at Mwiko and to help share learning and practices with other schools in the area.  Please join me. And I'll do my best to blog, to keep you up-to-date on what's happening with Mwiko.

Sincerely,

Jerri Hatch

 New photos just in from Mwiko!!!

Jerri Hatch and Frances at Mwiko launch.


Frances teaching.



Frances and her elephant flash cards. What a great way to learn English!


Frances giving students special attention. 



Spelling words always are on the chalkboard!