Hope Shines launched in 2008, working with the girls of the Rebero Orphans Centre in Kigali, Rwanda. By 2009, our resources had grown, and we were able to expand our camp to include the boys as well! The expansion was a huge success—including all the kids really helped them grow as a community.
By 2010, we were able to run two separate camps! Working with PAMASOR and the Children’s Support Center (CSC) allows us to reach out to more kids in Kigali than ever. Each day, volunteers and Rwandan translators move through an extensive program that includes arts and crafts, sports, dance, and an assortment of active and educational games. All this fun and playtime is supplemented by some really essential discussions on personal hygiene, HIV/AIDS, and the importance of staying in school. It’s important for the kids to be prepared and educated about these subjects that become more and more important as they grow up.
