Komera's Response to USAID Funding Suspension

Dear Friends and Komera Community,  

We know many in the Komera community have heard about the recent USAID funding suspension, and we want to be transparent about its impact. We're reaching out to share how we're doing and what our plans are moving forward.

In Rwanda, the scholars in our partner boarding schools continue to thrive. They are learning and engaging, building deep relationships with peers and mentors, and exploring their own potential. At the Leadership Center, teen moms are learning to reconnect with their families and bond with their babies. With new vocational skills, their confidence- and ability to care for themselves and their children- grows. Meanwhile, parents and guardians are gaining skills in the cooperative, school children are receiving uniforms, girls are running, practicing yoga, and accessing health services. On top of it all, we just had a Komara Scholar, Laetitia, graduate university with a degree in nursing!

While celebrating our community impact, we acknowledge the significant loss of USAID funding. Though we didn't receive direct USAID support, we benefited greatly from the stability it fostered within our community, partner organizations, and Rwandan society. 

We believe investing in education globally isn't just about individual opportunity – it's about creating a more stable, prosperous, and peaceful world for everyone. When President Kennedy established USAID in 1961, he envisioned it promoting human dignity and progress across borders. 

President Kenndy knew, as we know, that education and development anywhere strengthen security and prosperity everywhere. 

Whether a child is American or Rwandan, they deserve access to education – the foundation for a dignified and independent future. The USAID suspension presents a challenge, but Komera's commitment remains steadfast. We know the value of education, and we affirm the value of each child, parent, grandparent, and community member we partner with in Rwanda.

Thanks to you, our girls are still in school today, and they’ll still be in school tomorrow. Your generous support allows us to continue providing these vital services and ensuring that girls in Rwanda can reach their full potential.

Moving forward, we’ll be in touch as we continue this journey. In the meantime, reach out anytime. We always love hearing from you. 

With gratitude, 

Ashley

Komera, Managing Director