Hearts for Rwanda

What a better way to support vulnerable children than to have our youth step up and make a commitment to make a difference. I have truly had the privilege to work with Haley Justice, one of the youth at St. Paul's United Methodist Church and senior at the State College High School. For her senior class project she agreed to coordinate Hearts for Rwanda, an art show and exhibit, featuring art by Rwandan youth and children from St. Paul's UMC.

The day featured art, opportunities for children to experience the culture by seeing traditional Rwandan dance performed by Grace Hakizimana and Janviere and experiencing other cultures.

As Haley shared, "It was about bringing community together to celebrate children's art. We raised $1,157.00 which is very exciting. The August mission team had raised $11,500 for the Cyakabiri Faith Primary School. With the help of this event, it was made possible to make the final $1,000 payment to finish paying off the classroom commitment. It turned out sort of ironic. It brings the whole project together. A senior project for high school in the end earning money for another classroom on the other side of the world. There is a much bigger picture than what I participated in, and I'm so thankful I got to be a snippet of it. I learned so much and had a lot of fun".

And Arlene Brown, founder of the Urukundo Children's Home shared her thoughts. "Hearts for Rwanda is such an awesome event. Haley needs to come to visit Urukundo and meet the kids. Our children are our strength for the future. Young people like Haley are making a difference. Please thank her for me and for all the Urukundo kids."

Yes, anyone can make a difference. Don't wait. Step up and give voice for vulnerable children in Africa and throughout the world. Make that first step...and continue one step at a time.

Photos:
*The back of each piece of art featured the artist and a little about them
*Haley Justice
*Kids captivated by Rwandan dance
*Grace sharing her gift of dance
*Art from Rwanda