Jessi Files with her students from Estem Elementary.

A bridge connects two places in hopes of benefiting both sides. B2R’s mission includes drawing smart, humble, and committed individuals from around the world to assist in the development of Rwanda. This defines the term ‘borrowed talent.’ B2R knows that once ‘borrowed talent’ and others become involved with Rwanda, a contagious passion will arise and lives will be transformed at both ends. This past year, great examples of transformation have transpired, especially within young adults who have made commitments to be a voice for Rwanda.

 Jessi Files, a kindergarten teacher at Estem Charter Schools in Little Rock, Arkansas, visited Rwanda this summer and worked for a month at Sonrise Schools. While there, she was able to personally invest time by working with teachers and students, using her skills to ‘build’ a workroom. This new space houses curriculum material, a small children’s library, and shelves full of classroom supplies – all of which was donated through a 2008 B2R container project.

While there, Jessi was able to see the passion that Sonrise holds for education. In a landlocked country with limited natural resources, human capital and education are Rwanda’s keys to a successful future. Jessi wanted to find a way to bring this inspiration back to her classroom, and she has done so by making Rwanda’s story a part of her teaching. “My experiences in Rwanda are very beneficial to my class. I can teach them to be globally aware and also show them what students in another country are like,” she says.

This year, Jessi has told the stories of a kindergarten class from Sonrise and taught lessons about Rwandan culture. She plans to have her students write letters to the Sonrise class that they are learning about. Jessi hopes that her students will be inspired to learn through Rwanda.

Another story of transformation arose from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. OBU student Josh Groves did not expect a new roommate to bring inspiration to his life, but that is exactly what happened once Elisee Habimana moved in. Elisee is a recipient of a Presidential Scholarship and came to OBU from Rwanda. The two immediately became good friends and Josh quickly caught the passion for Rwanda. Josh says, “Elisee taught me a lot about the language, religion, and living conditions since the genocide.”

His new understanding of how Rwanda was moving from a dark past motivated Josh to find ways to bring awareness to his fellow students. Josh decided to host informational meetings and invited B2R to come present to a group of his friends and classmates. In 2008, he led a campus donation drive for supplies which were sent in the B2R container project. This past month, Josh and others organized an exhibition soccer game between the local Rwandan Presidential Scholars and the OBU team. The event raised nearly $700 and was a great way to spread awareness at OBU. Josh feels that everyone needs to know Rwanda’s story and finds motivation in Elisee and the other students who have a goal to make their country a better place.