Donations have been trickling in slowly but steadily since April: we have sold all the bottles of Akabanga and now have a new supply to sell, thanks to Jean Marie Vianney. Once people have tried this wonderful almost pure chilli oil, they always want more it is quite addictive! We make a profit for ABANA which goes back into the charity and also helps JMV who is now studying at Kigali institute of Education and without us would have been unable to do anything.
Sonia sold some more of Valerie's wonderful earrings - this makes a profit for ABANA and helps Valerie who is now in her final year at catering college. When we knew her she had never even been to secondary school and now she has a career before her.
One of my star students, Valens Nsengyumva, is now studying in the hotel trade. He is a brilliant boy who wanted to be a journalist, but in Rwanda you take what is offered- you can very rarely choose your course of study.
We are very happy to be sponsoring a new student - Mary Rose Nyiranzeyimana, Sister of Jean Bosco; part of the letter she wrote is reproduced here:
"My family have tried to find school fees in hard manner, but it seems like a mean of not to give up.
When i inspect well, I find that they have no capacity therefore I,m likely to drop again. My favourite person I want to be is a NURSE if possible. I will achieve it because I'm fond of chemistry and biology.
I really want to step in my Bosco's shoes - a hard working in my opinion.I think I have to believe that i wont be thrown out because of schol fees. I would do well and succeed better than expected. so if find me a sponsor, nothing wont pain again and therefore i could have a hope of better life in future..."
It is always good to sponsor a girl in Rwanda, because as i have said before, girls very rarely push themselves forward. One of our students - Marie Aimee, is being sponsored for the whole year this year.
Plans for October? Sonia is organising a halloween event in Derby and here in Carnforth we are planning a coffee morning and raffle and also an ongoing quiz.
