Hokies Supporting Rilima, Rwanda

Virginia Tech’s Linking Lives study abroad program has been working in Rwanda with Fondazione Marcegaglia Onlus (FMO) since 2015. In a few short weeks, a group of 12 Virginia Tech students will travel to Rilima, Rwanda for 2 weeks for cultural exchange and community development.

To repay the generosity of the community for allowing us to come and learn about Rwanda, we are asking for donations to help us fund projects throughout the community. Each year we work with FMO and Rilima community leaders to allocate funds based on most urgent community needs. In past years, donations have been used to build a house for genocide survivors and their families. This year, we plan to use funds to support the new FMO program, Zamuka, aimed to assist at risk families through stable housing and income.

If we reach our fundraising goal of $3,000 we will all participate in a 3K walk to the Italian border! If we exceed our goal and raise $5,000 Will Holt has volunteered to shave his head!

Thank you so much for your support! We can not wait to share our experience in Rilima with you when we get back!

If you would like more information about the program we are studying abroad through, Linking Lives, or the nonprofit we are fundraising for, FMO Rwanda, please visit their websites: https://www.linkinglives.org/ and https://www.fondazionemarcegaglia.org/en/