Why did the organization change its name from Orphans of Rwanda to Generation Rwanda?
We changed the name from Orphans of Rwanda to Generation Rwanda in order to reflect our students’ tremendous potential and the evolution of our program. Though we will continue to support only orphans and other vulnerable students with limited opportunities, we are not focused on an emergency response to the orphan crisis in Rwanda. Instead, we are focused on building the dynamic talent pool that will transform Rwanda in the long-term. Our students – through their initiative and eagerness to seize the opportunities we offer them – are transforming themselves into the leaders of a generation of Rwandans with a real opportunity to set their country on the path toward prosperity. Each day, our students achieve incredible things academically, professionally, and in their extracurricular lives, and we changed our name to one that suggests the forward-looking optimism and ambition of our students rather than one that focuses on their vulnerability status.
Who are the students that Generation Rwanda serves?
We assist orphans and other socially and economically vulnerable young people. Many of our students have lost both their parents to the genocide, HIV/AIDS, or other diseases. Some have lost only one parent, but the surviving parent is ill or incapacitated. Others have been abandoned, or lost touch with their families during the genocide. A significant number are responsible for younger siblings.
Where do the students attend university?
All of the students we support are enrolled at Rwandan universities, including the National University of Rwanda, the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology, the School of Finance and Banking, the Kigali Institute of Health, and the Kigali Institute of Education.
How can I be confident that my money will be channeled safely to the beneficiaries in Rwanda? How does Generation Rwanda avoid potential corruption problems and diversion of funds?
We take our financial management responsibilities extremely seriously. Our funds are held in US bank accounts, and we make monthly transfers to an account held at a bank in Rwanda. Funds are then disbursed by our in-country staff directly to universities and to student beneficiaries, as well as for other program and administrative expenses. Detailed expenditure reports are submitted on a monthly basis to our Executive Director, who provides regular reports to the Board of Directors on expenditures and how these expenditures compare to the expected expenses in the annual budget.
Did the creation of your new website and other materials increase the organization’s administrative costs and/or have an impact on your students?
Generation Rwanda is extremely fortunate to be supported by Ogilvy & Mather, which accepted us as a pro bono client earlier this year. Thanks to Ogilvy’s exceptional generosity, costs related to the re-branding effort – including our new logo, tagline, and website, all of which Ogilvy designed – will be minimal and will have no impact on our ability to serve our students either in 2010 or in future years.
How can I help?
The most effective way to help is to send financial support. Every dollar you can afford will help us benefit more extremely talented young people. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by US law.
A second key way of helping is to tell your family, friends, and colleagues about Generation Rwanda’s work. You can do that directly or by e-mail.
For other ideas, read our Get Involved page.
How can I work for Generation Rwanda?
Please check our Volunteering page to learn if there are any available openings for a position in Rwanda. If you are interested in volunteering for fundraising or administrative work based in the US, please email with your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest.
Is Generation Rwanda an American organization or a Rwandan organization?
Generation Rwanda is incorporated in the US and is registered as a charitable organization both in the US and Rwanda. Fundraising and administrative support are based in the US, but on-the-ground operations in Rwanda are headed by Rwandans.
How much of my money actually gets to Rwanda?
We are committed to operating with low administrative costs so that the vast majority of your donations will directly benefit the intended recipients. Our extensive team of volunteers makes this possible.
