A Thank You From Hero Women Rising

HERO WOMEN RISING

RISING TOGETHER

"Thank you, with love, from the whole community."

Neema Namadamu

Hero Women Rising Founder

Dear Amanda,

We are so happy to share with you the triumphant news that the school YOU helped build, in a remote area of Itombwe, opened on Monday, September 2nd.

Happy and excited children streamed in that morning, arriving early from all directions. Nearly 200 youngsters attended school that day. The youngest grade, Kindergarten, was supposed to be made up of 4 and 5 year-olds – but parents from all over the area, so overjoyed by the opportunity for their babies to have a shot at a different future, sent toddlers as young as 2, accompanied by solicitous older siblings, to begin their new trajectory in life.

CHILDREN ARRIVING TO SCHOOL ON THE FIRST DAY

On our way to the school, half an hour before it opened, we could hear a group of little children running toward the school, shouting to each other, “hurry up, it’s the first day and we’re already late! The teacher is there already!”

Never before have we seen children so excited to be attending school!

The following day was the school inauguration. It was well attended by parents and community leaders, including Pastor Jonas Gasaza (CEPAC), Elisha Rubibi (Chief of Marunde 2 Locality), Program Director Kidebege of UGEAFI, and a Parliamentary Deputy Candidate.

A COMMUNITY LEADER SPEAKS AT THE INAGURATION

A spirit of joy was present across the community. Parents, teachers, students, and the Headmaster spoke about how the opening of this school was the answer to many years of prayer. How they saw a new future being born from this opportunity.

We are so grateful, because thanks to you, children in this area of Itombwe now have a high-quality school to attend, and we can see the possibility of hope that it is sowing.