Introduction
… is a unique home with an adjoining staff house and a large undeveloped lot behind the main property area. A long wrap-around corridor houses five bedrooms with bathrooms sandwiched between each bedroom. The master bedroom and bath (which can accommodate three roommates) is located on the other side of the living and dining area. Off white pillars lend a certain academy feel to the home – it is surrounded by a manicured yard and an accessible walkway around the perimeter of the house. Two medium sized covered patios offer quiet outdoor living spaces as well. The outdoor kitchen shelter is in current use – the indoor kitchen is small and without appliances. Located behind the main house is a small self contained living space designated for the house mother.
“As I leaned myself against one of the large pillars, I watched curiously as each girl stepped out from the van. Their eyes took some time to focus under the intense sun; but once they recognized the enormity of it all and felt the presence of the home – they were taken back – as if time had stopped for them at that particular moment. As their eyes widened so did their smiles. The pitch of their chattering increased as they made their way into the home. As I followed closely behind them I noticed that their excitement was articulated in their body language. Just imagine the emotion and energy movement that was passing through their hearts … here’s a place they will soon be calling home.”
Selection Process
Selection ProcessThe candidate selection for the Esther Home was a comprehensive process. Informative letters about the Esther Home program and the opportunities available to young women were addressed to mayors in several districts throughout Rwanda. From this, a list of recommendations was sent to Africa New Life. Each candidate qualifying for the university is required to have passed Rwanda’s national education exam. Once a final selection list was complied the interview process started.
Candid discussions were focused on:
Integrity (looking for their sense of openness and good judgment)
Intelligence (along with knowledge it was about
curiosity and leadership characteristics)
Maturity (finding their level of confidence and their balance of joy and humility)
Positive Energy – (establishing those who thrive on action & relish change)
Ability to energize others (looking to inspire the
sisterhood of the Esther Home)
Ability to get the job done (to execute and to finish the program)
Those who just had the juice for life in their veins.
All applications were carefully reviewed by Florence Mugisha, co founder of ANLM and Director of Child and Women ministries and the Young Leadership Program. Each applicant submitted their individual biography and family background, and defined their motivation for education, their hope for the future, and their contribution to society.
Candid discussions were focused on:
Integrity (looking for their sense of openness and good judgment)
Intelligence (along with knowledge it was about
curiosity and leadership characteristics)
Maturity (finding their level of confidence and their balance of joy and humility)
Positive Energy – (establishing those who thrive on action & relish change)
Ability to energize others (looking to inspire the
sisterhood of the Esther Home)
Ability to get the job done (to execute and to finish the program)
Those who just had the juice for life in their veins.
All applications were carefully reviewed by Florence Mugisha, co founder of ANLM and Director of Child and Women ministries and the Young Leadership Program. Each applicant submitted their individual biography and family background, and defined their motivation for education, their hope for the future, and their contribution to society.
After a series of interviews and comprehensive testing, thirteen girls were chosen for the Easter Home scholarships. Each of their lives are economically challenged, each has her own story, each has her own strong character trait that affords her this opportunity. They each have their own hope, their own purpose and their own desires - but what they all have collectively is “Passion” – a passion for the future – for their family – for their community and for their country.
An enthusiasm for life.
Introducing The Daughters Of Rwanda
Strong women
build stronger
nations.
Aainab Salbi
Esther Mbabazi
Esther, born 1987, grew up in a family of two brothers, four sisters, and her mother and father. Gospel music and singing are her pleasures. Esther’s best subject is economics and her major course at the university will be focused on finance. Esther is a hopeful and intelligent young woman who looks forward to helping fight corruption by studying Finance; she would also like to establish centers for destitute children where orphans and street children can find hope.
Esther, born 1987, grew up in a family of two brothers, four sisters, and her mother and father. Gospel music and singing are her pleasures. Esther’s best subject is economics and her major course at the university will be focused on finance. Esther is a hopeful and intelligent young woman who looks forward to helping fight corruption by studying Finance; she would also like to establish centers for destitute children where orphans and street children can find hope.
Claire Kayitesi
Claire, born June 1983, is one of seven children. Given the fact that Claire is from a low income family, it becomes a real challenge when it comes to university education. She is looking forward to pursuing a marketing career. Claire’s best subject is Economics.
Justin Mukashema
Justin, born 1983, is part of a family of six. Her parents are poor and her father is chronically sick. Reading is Justin’s favorite pastime and Economics is her best subject. Going to the University will provide Justin with an opportunity to get a degree in management, finance and accounting and continue to work with needy children.
Justin, born 1983, is part of a family of six. Her parents are poor and her father is chronically sick. Reading is Justin’s favorite pastime and Economics is her best subject. Going to the University will provide Justin with an opportunity to get a degree in management, finance and accounting and continue to work with needy children.
Margaret Kiconco
Margaret, born 1984, grew up in a household of eleven people. Both parents died of HIV/AIDS. Margaret loves to music and drama; she enjoys reading and writing adventure stories and biographies. Her best subject is English. Margaret’s goal is to study management at the University.
Margaret, born 1984, grew up in a household of eleven people. Both parents died of HIV/AIDS. Margaret loves to music and drama; she enjoys reading and writing adventure stories and biographies. Her best subject is English. Margaret’s goal is to study management at the University.
Evas Kirabo
Evas, born 1987, has one brother. Both of her parents died from HIV/AIDS. Because of her lack of school fees and financial hardship, Eva has had no opportunity to finish her secondary education. Evas will currently enroll in Senior Six and complete her Certificate of Education and be accepted into the university. Eva, who enjoys singing, has strong leadership qualities because of her experience as a dormitory caption, choir leader and worship leader.
Evas, born 1987, has one brother. Both of her parents died from HIV/AIDS. Because of her lack of school fees and financial hardship, Eva has had no opportunity to finish her secondary education. Evas will currently enroll in Senior Six and complete her Certificate of Education and be accepted into the university. Eva, who enjoys singing, has strong leadership qualities because of her experience as a dormitory caption, choir leader and worship leader.
Patience Kayitana
Patience, born April 1987, has three brothers and three sisters. Her father died and her mother is still alive. Patience is a poor young woman who will join the university looking to obtain a Management degree and Finance.
Patience, born April 1987, has three brothers and three sisters. Her father died and her mother is still alive. Patience is a poor young woman who will join the university looking to obtain a Management degree and Finance.
Joyeuse Karinda
Joyeuse, born 1988, is one of six women living in her household. Her father is deceased. Like so many young Rwandan girls, singing is Joyesue’s relaxation. She looks forward to joining the university to pursue a Business Management degree. Joyeuse looks forward to helping people find hope.
Joyeuse, born 1988, is one of six women living in her household. Her father is deceased. Like so many young Rwandan girls, singing is Joyesue’s relaxation. She looks forward to joining the university to pursue a Business Management degree. Joyeuse looks forward to helping people find hope.
Odeth Murorunkwere
Odeth, born February 1990, has five brothers and four sisters. Odeth was left behind in Rwanda when her mother and father went to a refugee camp in Uganda. Odeth aspires to become a medical doctor.
Odeth, born February 1990, has five brothers and four sisters. Odeth was left behind in Rwanda when her mother and father went to a refugee camp in Uganda. Odeth aspires to become a medical doctor.
Rehmah Beeza
Rehmah, born, 1980, has been raised solely by her mother along with three other children with incredible hardships. Rehmah is continuing her degree for a Higher Diploma in Education. She comes to this program with an enthusiasm for education and enjoys teaching.
Maria Rose Mutesi
Marie Rose, born 1985, and her brother were orphaned when both parents died while she was a little refugee girl in Tanzania. Two of her favorite subjects are History and Kiswahill. Marie Rose holds two options of study at the university: public administration or law. Maria has a heart for vulnerable people like orphans and the disabled.
Rehmah, born, 1980, has been raised solely by her mother along with three other children with incredible hardships. Rehmah is continuing her degree for a Higher Diploma in Education. She comes to this program with an enthusiasm for education and enjoys teaching.
Maria Rose Mutesi
Marie Rose, born 1985, and her brother were orphaned when both parents died while she was a little refugee girl in Tanzania. Two of her favorite subjects are History and Kiswahill. Marie Rose holds two options of study at the university: public administration or law. Maria has a heart for vulnerable people like orphans and the disabled.
Beatrice Karangwa
Beatrice, born 1984, grew up in a household of eleven people, including herself, her mother, who is now deceased and her father. Laughter, reading and singing are Beatrice’s enjoyment. Economics is her best subject. Business Administration is what Beatrice sees in her future at the University. She has acquired her leadership skills by her experiences as a Youth Alive Club Secretary and a Dormitory Captain during her secondary education.
Doreen Ingabire
Doreen, born 1986, has two brothers and three sisters whose family is economically unable to give her the opportunity for a higher education. Doreen is a hopeful and intelligent young woman who looks forward to being an accountant by Management and finance.
Beatrice, born 1984, grew up in a household of eleven people, including herself, her mother, who is now deceased and her father. Laughter, reading and singing are Beatrice’s enjoyment. Economics is her best subject. Business Administration is what Beatrice sees in her future at the University. She has acquired her leadership skills by her experiences as a Youth Alive Club Secretary and a Dormitory Captain during her secondary education.
Doreen Ingabire
Doreen, born 1986, has two brothers and three sisters whose family is economically unable to give her the opportunity for a higher education. Doreen is a hopeful and intelligent young woman who looks forward to being an accountant by Management and finance.
Yvonne Umulisa
Yvonne, born 1986, was one of six children; both parents are alive and poor. When not volunteering, Yvonne enjoys singing or reading. Economics and Sociology are her best subjects. Leadership comes to Yvonne by her experience as Head-girl in secondary school. Management is her course of study at the university along with her desire to work with orphans and destitute children.
Yvonne, born 1986, was one of six children; both parents are alive and poor. When not volunteering, Yvonne enjoys singing or reading. Economics and Sociology are her best subjects. Leadership comes to Yvonne by her experience as Head-girl in secondary school. Management is her course of study at the university along with her desire to work with orphans and destitute children.
Dreams Come True
It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting… Before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way. It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we have learned as we have moved toward the dream. That’s the point at which most people give up…
(At this point) Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.
(At this point) Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.
~ Paulo Coelho
Your Support
Ron & Yvonne ~ Esther Home
Thank you for your support and generosity to the Esther Home Project. Thank you for giving the Rwandan girls a chance to live out their dreams.
When we started this project there was some concern amongst our team “what will people think when we ask for their support?” As Joyce laid out the pros and cons - on the all too familiar flip chart - we discovered there were no cons and we were unanimous in making our decision to move forward.
We continue to ask for your support for this project – a project we believe in and a project that holds integrity. We will continue to encourage strong mentoring programs and partnerships, and guide them to be united, to be a builder and to be a giver.
Supporting the Esther Home gives these girls the dignity to make great things happen and your reward will be out of this world.
When we started this project there was some concern amongst our team “what will people think when we ask for their support?” As Joyce laid out the pros and cons - on the all too familiar flip chart - we discovered there were no cons and we were unanimous in making our decision to move forward.
We continue to ask for your support for this project – a project we believe in and a project that holds integrity. We will continue to encourage strong mentoring programs and partnerships, and guide them to be united, to be a builder and to be a giver.
Supporting the Esther Home gives these girls the dignity to make great things happen and your reward will be out of this world.
Ron Pepos
Dedication
is dedicated to helping orphans and vulnerable girls to work toward university degrees, become self sufficient and ultimately become leaders in their country. The Esther Home’s process for selecting students is finding trustworthy, motivated and intelligent girls that are educationally qualified.
The Esther Home is comprised of a small U.S. volunteer fundraising team and a small management team in Rwanda. The program is set up to operate with an absolute minimum of administration costs so that all donations will directly benefit the intended program.
"Gift Of Giving"
“Gift of Giving”
The young women of the Esther Home will spearhead the “Gift of Giving” concept while participating in the following program …
Giving To Our Community – each will provide 24 hours of “community service” time per month to a charity.
Giving Back To The Sponsorship Community – collectively and individually, each will respond and acknowledge the sponsorship community through consistent communication, progress and accountability.
Giving Back To Oneself – a bank account will be established for each student – each month 10% of their personal stipend is saved – this program will enhance their security, personal gain and will provide them with financial management skills.
Giving Support Through Financial Sponsorship – Collectively the Esther Home family of “sisters” will choose to either support an economically challenged woman or fund school sponsorship for a child. Each will contribute $2.50 of their personal stipend per month for the sponsorship.
Giving To Our Community – each will provide 24 hours of “community service” time per month to a charity.
Giving Back To The Sponsorship Community – collectively and individually, each will respond and acknowledge the sponsorship community through consistent communication, progress and accountability.
Giving Back To Oneself – a bank account will be established for each student – each month 10% of their personal stipend is saved – this program will enhance their security, personal gain and will provide them with financial management skills.
Giving Support Through Financial Sponsorship – Collectively the Esther Home family of “sisters” will choose to either support an economically challenged woman or fund school sponsorship for a child. Each will contribute $2.50 of their personal stipend per month for the sponsorship.
… helping change the world by giving...
Higher Education
project responds directly to helping students pursue a university education.The Esther Home program covers tuition, housing, nutrition, transportation, healthcare, books and supplies. The program enables the students to manage their own finances and learn to become self-sufficient. Despite growing up without any significant resources, the students we support have overcome trauma, to succeed in primary and secondary school and they display tremendous enthusiasm for continuing that success at the university level.
Rwanda
RWANDAIn a country as small and economically challenged as Rwanda, fewer than one in two hundred adults have a college degree, and Rwanda's universities graduate only a few thousand students each year, most of them male and wealthy. The disadvantaged students who do make it to university often must choose their field of study based on what they can afford. For instance, the high cost of nursing school has led to a shortage of highly trained nurses in Rwanda, hindering the country's ability to respond to the AIDS epidemic. Currently, the aide is directed almost exclusively at primary and secondary school children. There is great value in going one step farther and helping these young adults obtain a university education.
Accountability
Accountablility We continue with the objective of raising significant funds to set up an account that will perpetuate enough monies to cover the monthly budget expenses for the program - making the Esther Home Project self supporting.
In the development process of the project Africa New Life (ANLM) has worked closely with the funding partners – Steve & Cathy Hackett / Ron & Joyce Pepos. Full responsibility for program and its implementation lies with ANLM. We continue to have great confidence in our partnership with Africa New Life.
Along with regular Esther Home visits, the funding partners will ensure proper oversight and financial accountability for this project. The 10th of each month a financial report will be provided and reviewed.
In the development process of the project Africa New Life (ANLM) has worked closely with the funding partners – Steve & Cathy Hackett / Ron & Joyce Pepos. Full responsibility for program and its implementation lies with ANLM. We continue to have great confidence in our partnership with Africa New Life.
Along with regular Esther Home visits, the funding partners will ensure proper oversight and financial accountability for this project. The 10th of each month a financial report will be provided and reviewed.
Library
Funds were collected to sponsor the Xanthopoulos Library in the Esther Home. Over 121 pounds of books (80 books of diverse subject matter) traveled to Rwanda with the January team.
A local Portland hiking group – some of whom have been together for the past thirty years – collectively supported this project by purchasing some books and a large handcrafted bookshelf.
A book borrowing system has been designed to maintain the worth and the future growth of the library.
A local Portland hiking group – some of whom have been together for the past thirty years – collectively supported this project by purchasing some books and a large handcrafted bookshelf.
A book borrowing system has been designed to maintain the worth and the future growth of the library.
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