Support Shyaka Obed & the Next Generation of Rwandan Leaders

Support Shyaka Obed and the Next Generation of Rwandan Leaders

The 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi left a deep and lasting impact on Rwanda. Today, a new generation is rising—the second-generation survivors—who, though born after the genocide, carry the weight of their families' history. They are a beacon of resilience, hope, and determination. We have a handful of remarkable young students with the acumen and drive to pursue graduate degrees in the United States. By investing in their education, we can help them turn personal pain into collective purpose and become the leaders their country needs.

This campaign is dedicated to raising funds for higher education, providing promising young survivors with the financial support they need to pursue their degrees and professional development. Your contribution will help cover critical expenses like tuition, living costs, and academic fees, empowering these students to complete their studies and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Shyaka Obed: A Story of Urgency and Hope

One of these inspiring young leaders is Shyaka Obed, a proud second-generation survivor and an active member of the Foundation Rwanda community. Shyaka’s life began under the long shadow of the genocide, a tragedy that stole over a million lives, including many in his own family. Growing up, he watched his mother work tirelessly just to keep them fed and in school, a testament to her unwavering spirit of perseverance. Shyaka's dream is to pursue an MBA and use that knowledge to uplift not only his life but his family, his community, and future generations. He has been admitted to the Executive MBA program at Alliant International University—a personal milestone and a profound tribute to his mother’s resilience.

Shyaka’s journey is now facing a critical deadline. With classes beginning on October 20th, time is running out to close the financial gap. To make this dream a reality, Shyaka has already secured a $4,000 scholarship and will be working as part of a practicum to cover living expenses. His family has even taken out a $10,000 loan to help with tuition. But even with these incredible efforts, a significant hurdle remains: the high cost of housing in Los Angeles, which threatens his ability to secure a safe and stable place to live.

By making a gift today, you are directly investing in a leader's future. Your support is the key that unlocks his path. You are helping Shyaka overcome this final hurdle and focus on his studies, free from the worry of finding a safe place to live. This is not just about a degree; it’s about empowering a movement of healing and hope .

Breaking Down Our Goal

We're seeking to raise $15,000 to help Shyaka and other deserving students with the essential costs of their education:

University Tuition & Fees: $5,532

Living Expenses: $16,242.50

Books and Supplies: $500

Health Insurance: $1,500

Visa & Travel Expenses: $1,200

Total Estimated First-Year Cost: $24,974.50

Every dollar you give fuels this bold step forward for Shyaka and other deserving students. Join us today to ensure students like Shyaka can start their educational journey on time.

Complete Transparency and Accountability:

Your trust is our priority. Foundation Rwanda has full discretion and control over the use of all funds raised, ensuring every contribution is a charitable donation (TAX ID: 11-3837036). Foundation Rwanda, together with Survivors Fund (SURF), will diligently monitor and disburse all contributions to cover program expenses for Shyaka and other eligible candidates, ensuring every dollar directly supports the educational journey of second-generation survivors.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in second chances and for helping us prove that we can rise together. Your generosity is the catalyst for a brighter tomorrow.

With deepest gratitude,

Shyaka & The Foundation Rwanda Team