Our Mission "to provide resources that enable the reintegration of street children into the community, empower their families, and support their education."
In the heart of Rwanda, amidst the lush thousand hills and vibrant communities, lives a young girl named Laetitia. Her dreams are as boundless as the open sky, fueled by an unyielding determination to become a doctor and heal the world's diseases. But like many in her community, Laetitia faced challenges that threatened to overshadow her aspirations which her family could not overcome.
Laetitia's journey began in a family that struggled to make ends meet. Despite their best efforts, the weight of financial hardship cast a shadow over her dreams of education and would sometimes set her to spend her time on the streets or walk with her mother as her daily hustles would determine. As the eldest daughter, Laetitia felt the weight of responsibility on her small shoulders. The yearning for education, for a future beyond the horizon, was a fire that burned brightly within her even though there could be no proof of a better life.
In this moment of darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. Sheer Love Rwanda, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children in marginalized communities, stepped into Laetitia's life. They recognized her potential and embraced her dreams with open arms. Through their intervention, her family became part of a parent group that offered empowerment programs focused on parenting skills, financial literacy, and community support.
Laetitia's talents are not limited to her academic pursuits; she possesses a gift for singing that echoes through the hearts of those who hear her. Her laughter, fueled by a love for cracking jokes, is like a sunbeam, casting away the shadows that had once clouded her days in the past. Through Sheer Love Rwanda's programs, Laetitia found herself in a nurturing environment where she could not only learn but also thrive.
Laetitia has become a part of a vibrant community of children who, like her, had faced hardships but now found solace in each other's company. Together, they laugh, play, and learn the value of friendship, and share experiences. Sheer Love Rwanda's initiatives expanded her horizons, introducing her to the world of computers, books, and mentorship programs that ignited her passion for learning. She enjoys spending time learning using the computer. She started with typing and now she can explore beyond the class limits by researching different things which continues to fuel her curiosity to know a lot more than expected. She exhibits an example of what a good student means and can do.
During reading time, she shows that learning takes more decisions to succeed, but adding a hardworking spirit. She has set her best pace of learning English which is a dream to everyone else in her family. Among her favorite books is “The Little Bird in the Rain”, which she reads more often. She is always walking with her English notebook which she uses to record her new words. She is that student that will always make her family proud.
Health programs and financial literacy workshops offered by Sheer Love Rwanda are transforming Laetitia's family's household dynamics. With the children at the center of their focus, the family has begun to thrive, their lives enriched by newfound skills and knowledge. Each step they take towards empowerment is a testament to their determination to offer their children a better life.
The time is now that Laetitia starts shining as her education journey continues. In September 2023, a milestone that seemed unreachable not too long ago is happening. It is when Laetitia joins high school. Her family's excitement radiates like sunlight breaking through the clouds. Their belief in the power of education cemented through their journey with Sheer Love Rwanda is a great aspect of their live every day.
As Laetitia looks towards her future, the road ahead seems full of promise. She knows that her dreams of becoming a doctor are now within reach, thanks to the unwavering support of Sheer Love Rwanda and her family's resilience. She is blossoming from a young girl once desperate for education to a beacon of hope, a testament to the transformative impact of love, community, and the belief that dreams can be true.
And so, Laetitia's story becomes an anthem of hope, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, especially that of the children living on the streets and marginalized communities. Through the collaborative efforts of Sheer Love Rwanda and her family's unwavering determination to her success, her journey showcases the profound impact that empowerment, education, and community support can have on shaping lives and turning aspirations into reality. Laetitia is pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor through education.