Located in Kabuga, Keza Sewing School is more than just a training center, it is a transformative space where women from a background of poverty and pain, are rescued and healed, then given tailoring skills to give them a life breakthrough. Beyond technical training, the school fosters a strong sense of community, mentorship, and faith in Jesus Christ. Women in the program find encouragement and support from one another, creating lasting connections that empower them to overcome life's challenges.
Every Monday, the women have a devotional time, where they gather to pray, share God's word, and uplift each other. This time of devotion strengthens their faith in Jesus Christ, provides guidance, and deepens their sense of purpose. Through skill-building and spiritual growth, Keza Sewing School equips women with the tools they need to break cycles of hardship and create lasting change for themselves and their families.
At I Will Stand International, we are committed to transforming lives of vulnerable children in Kabuga by addressing critical gaps in education, faith, and personal development. Through the generosity of our sponsors, we provide access to education by covering school fees and materials, while actively seeking support for those still awaiting sponsorship. Our Kabuga Kids program offers Bible studies, prayer, worship, and choir practice, nurturing the children's spiritual growth. Additionally, we prioritize physical well-being by encouraging regular exercise through games like football and volleyball, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Beyond education and spiritual mentorship, we empower children through specialized programs in hygiene, and sanitation. Children receive essential training in personal care, and oral hygiene which helps them maintain good health and boost their immune system. Our holiday camps further develop their talents in music, dance, and art, with skilled instructors guiding them. The joy continues with our annual Christmas celebration, where children from disadvantaged backgrounds experience a festive gathering filled with gifts, delicious meals, games, and a shared cake.
Kayovu Kids is our rural children's program initiated in March 2024. Alphonsine, one of our foster parents, started gathering the village children to try and feed them porridge twice a week and do educational activities with them. Each trip out to visit her, the village children would come to greet us. Their clothes were always rags and some had visible medical issues. We knew many of their parents struggled to find consistent work in the rural area. Alphonsine showed us the limited resources and toys she had for the children. We knew that with the partnership of our sponsors, we could make a huge difference in this rural area. We are in the beginning phases of building up this program as we seek sponsorships for the children to help provided the needed resources.
In July 2024, we were able to bring clothes made by our sewing students for all of the children as well as some toys for Alphonsine to have on hand. As we find sponsors for our Kayovu Kids, we will continue to grow our impact in this area. Some of the children in foster families in kayovu are now able to attend school through sponsorship and are showing significant cognitive growth already.
In Rwanda, only 18% of children aged 3 to 6 have access to early learning facilities, leaving many without the foundational education needed for future success. I Will Stand International established a nursery school in Kayovu called Baho Neza Kibondo for children who were in a home-based Early Childhood Development program led by Alphonsine Nyirarukundo. The nursery school is providing young children with structured learning, playtime, and basic healthcare while their parents work to provide for their families. Thanks to a generous donor family, we secured funding for the school, covering uniforms crafted by Keza Sewing School graduates, essential learning materials, and classroom setup.
The ECD center has a dedicated team including a cook, caregiver, assistant teacher, and an ongoing search for a lead teacher. Children receive instruction in French, English, Kinyarwanda, numeracy, creative arts, and early literacy, helping them develop both linguistic and cognitive skills. Currently, the children have only one small classroom, limiting our ability to enroll more students, offer diverse learning activities, and create a safe playground for physical development. With your support we can purchase more land, build additional classrooms, and create a vibrant space where children can learn, play, and thrive. Donate today through our website and help us give children the foundation they deserve.
Our foster program was one of our first programs established in Rwanda. More information coming soon!