2015 HERO AWARD
2009 YOUTH AWARD
Founder, Richard’s Rwanda-IMPUHWE
Rwanda
A tireless advocate for global education and a spokesperson for social justice, Jessica founded Richard’s Rwanda-IMPUHWE (formerly Abari B’Inyamata) when she was 11 years old to support educational opportunities for girls who had survived the genocide of 1994 in the rural area of Nyamata, Rwanda. Her organization supports educational costs such as school fees, supplies, shoes, insurance and lunch. World of Children’s funding ensured that Rwandan girls who survived the genocide could complete their education.
Every time Jessica visits Rwanda, she is deeply affected by the tales of genocide she hears from children in the communities of Rwanda. She takes very seriously the need to give back and has spent countless hours working to establish Richard’s Rwanda-IMPUHWE to ensure Rwandan girls receive the education they deserve in a safe and nurturing environment.
Her trips have allowed her to get to know the girls better and assess their needs. She recently designed a tool kit for girls who are interested in starting their own chapter of Abari B’Inyamata in their own communities in the US so that more children in Rwanda can be served. Jessica’s leadership is empowering other students to take on key roles in supporting and growing Abari B’Inyamata, while also allowing her to grow and serve as a kind and passionate role model.
In the Spring of 2014, Jessica joined our Co-Founders, Harry and Kay Leibowitz on a trip to Rwanda for the 20th Anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, and to visit Richard’s Rwanda-IMPUHWE and another group of children in rural Rwanda. Read about the trip »