Ballycrochan Presbyterian Church is taking a mission team of 16 to a town called Rwamagana in Rwanda this summer, to work alongside the local workers of the charity "Aid for Education". While we are there, we will be supporting the local people in a number of practical and financial ways. Our main work will be with the local children and families who need support through Aid for Education. More information on the work this great organisation does can be found here: http://www.aidforeducation.org/

As a team, we are currently fundraising to help with a number of small projects which are supported by the charity. The details of what this fundraising will go towards is described in detail below, along with the practical support we will be giving the charity and locals during our trip.

In order for both of us to be able to go on a mission trip like this, it involves a large personal financial commitment. In order to raise money for both the work of the charity and also to help us both get to Rwanda this summer, we are running the Belfast Marathon on May Day 2018. Any support that you would be able to give will help greatly with both of these goals, and it would be so greatly appreciated.

Fundraising will go towards:

Supplies and labour work to build a house for a family (we will help with the construction of this during our trip)

Purchasing goats (a helpful resource for families)

Purchasing supplies for the school (such as tablets with educational software downloaded) which we will be taking over to Rwanda with us

The long-term work of Aid for Education with the local children and families in providing education, basic medical care and shelter.

During our trip, we will be based in Rwamagana, Rwanda, working in conjunction with the Rwandan charity workers. During our time there, team members will provide practical support for a range of initiatives including: the women’s agriculture project, the homework club, the nursery school and primary school, staff IT training, organising and running a children’s summer Bible club, and teaching/training adults in craft skills/activities.

In addition, simply by being there, the team will be an encouragement and support to the Aid for Education team and the people in the local area, which we support throughout the year as a church.