Outcomes

Local Knowledge and Sustainable Goals

We believe that trust is built over time through mutual respect and genuine collaboration. Our relationships with local partners and students have grown gradually, grounded in openness and shared purpose. We strive to foster a culture of joint learning, where challenges are addressed collectively and solutions are co-created. Above all, we value the dignity and potential of every individual — recognising that each person holds the insight, strength, and capacity to shape their own future.

We work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – the education goal aiming to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.

Target 4.3: equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university

Target 4.4: increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

Target 4.5: eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations

Making a Difference – our model for student development

Through our programmes, disadvantaged children attend good quality secondary schools and some go onto university or to gain vocational qualifications. Without our educational funding and life-skill workshops these children would have dropped out and they, their families and communities would have been denied the opportunity to develop a route out of poverty.

Do we make a difference? We believe so:

Education and Access

• Over 78 students supported with school or college fees since 2018.
• Currently 23 students sponsored at secondary school.
• 28 graduates assisted to progress into university or vocational courses.
• Continuous partnership with Rwandan schools ensures attendance, progress tracking, and mentoring.

Empowering Girls

• Around two-thirds of all beneficiaries are girls, many from single-parent or orphaned households.
• Funding enables girls to stay in education through Senior 6 (A-levels) and delay early marriage.
• Female graduates now entering healthcare, hospitality, business, and community leadership roles.

Skills and Mentoring

• Five national student workshops held since 2021, training over 200 young people in: Peacebuilding and conflict resolution, Communication and self-awareness, Employability and entrepreneurship
• Ongoing mentoring through the Friends Career Centre in Kigali connects students with guidance and job skills.

Pathways to Work

• Growing number of alumni now in vocational trades, engineering, nursing, and small enterprises.
• Life-skills and career workshops improve confidence and job readiness.
• Alumni networks now helping mentor younger students.

Cost-Effective Giving

• Over 98% of annual spending goes directly to student support (fees, materials, and workshops).
• Entirely volunteer-run, with local delivery through trusted Rwandan partners (Friends Peace House & Rwandan Yearly Meeting).
• Transparent reporting and steady donor growth over seven years.

Real Lives Changed

• “I never thought I could finish school. Now I am studying nursing and helping others.” – Peruth, FAET graduate
• “I always wanted to be an engineer. And now I design and install electrical projects” – Emely, FAET graduate
• Many students are now first in their families to attend university.
• Education has lifted families out of extreme poverty and inspired community involvement.

Case Study: Christella