Story
Thanks so much for wishing me a Happy Birthday and following the link - can you help make the celebrations more memorable?
I was hoping that with the lovely tradition of birthday wishes from facebook friends around the world, that those same people could donate £1, $1, €1, 1,000 UGX towards Rwanda Restored.
I thought that as it was my birthday ... I might get you all involved in a little do-gooding because this is definitely a great way to celebrate!
Please donate a little something and share this link today and help me raise £500 :)
As a birthday brat, this is my only wish.
Why Rwanda Restored?
I think most of you have been exposed to my mad passion for this tiny country in Africa. To try and explain it a bit, I have uploaded a few pictures and a video clip [thanks Katy Jones!] which you can have a wee nosey at in the gallery :)
My first trip to Rwanda in 2008 was a life changer for me and I found my dream, my drive and my passion. Learning about the genocide and life beyond the one I had known has underpinned academic and travel decisions since. The first trip to Rwanda pushed me to do a Peace degree, to spend my summers interning with development organisations and to try and be a more forgiving/better person.
Importantly, my second trip wouldn't have happened without Rwanda Restored. Even with all the will in the world, 19 year old me never would have got to teach for a few weeks, re-visit Kaduha Primary School, teach English, experience Byumba refugee camp and see the work of Rwanda Restored without Rwanda Restored and Geoff Lane. It was thanks to Geoff and his charity, Rwanda Restored, that I could keep the dream alive to stay inspired and keep trying.
As such, I am not only eternally grateful to Geoff Lane and Rwanda Restored for their support but I am also keen to sponsor Gihogwe Secondary School where, hopefully, I will be able to spend two weeks [with Matt Day] teaching English.
Any money raised as a result of this birthday appeal will go directly to Rwanda Restored and is not to fund any part of mine [or his!] trip.
Finally, I think it is vital to highlight that the 7th-14th of April is genocide memorial week in Rwanda and just to remember that raising monies isn't really about me and my birthday. If you are interested to find out more, click here - otherwise drop me an email and I can email some informative resources.
Thank you all so much,
P.s please don't forget to donate!