Sunday, the 7th day of my trip, was spent at Gisimba Orphanage. When I was here in December, 2010 I met a 15 year old orphan who had lost her entire family due to war. Her story touched me and when I found out she wasn’t attending school I took action and raised enough money to support her until she has completed high school. Thanks to my parents, Sylv and Andrew, Hillary and Gary, and Annika for your support.
I haven’t seen Bella since December but had progress reports from friends who visit Kigali regularly that she was doing well. I was both excited and nervous to see her and when Dave (a Strategic Coach client), Elizabeth (my colleague at Strategic Coach) and I arrived, Bella came running out to great me and gave me the biggest hug I think I’ve ever experienced. I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome and I was so relieved to know that I have made a positive impact on her life. She is far more expressive than she was a year ago and although she still struggles with English, we can have a basic conversation. She’s enjoying school and loves math and physics and tells me with conviction that she wants to be “a doctor, doctor, doctor.”
It was a pleasure to sit with Bella and give her an English lesson so she can practice while she’s on break from school for the next few months.
And thanks to my Strategic Coach team in Toronto who have donated clothes, toys, and books to the kids. They loved them!
As a result of meeting Bella and so many other children who are unable to get an education - sometimes because they can't afford a pair of shoes or even a pen - I have created Project Bella. Project Bella will be a registered non-profit that supports and pays for the education of children in developing countries. Thanks to Kathleen, Tanya, Carmen, Jen, Akash, Zoey for your on-going support and advice with this worthwhile cause.
