Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

We envision a world where every child has access to basic needs, love, education and a chance to thrive.
Rising Above the Storms is on a mission to forge a lasting impact for vulnerable children in developing countries through education, advocacy and community empowerment.
Alphonsine overcame being orphaned during the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda as a child, to becoming an educated engineer. Her mission is to give vulnerable children a chance to succeed like her. And she believes it all starts with one child at a time.
Our first active board of directors formed in 2019. Most come from executive positions in the corporate world and serve a minimum of 2 years. Board members actively participate in fund-raising, leading teams in their area of expertise and setting RAS’ future direction.
Our team in the US is made up of professionals from the corporate world who volunteer their time to serve RAS. They support fundraising, donor relations & administrative activities, based on their field of expertise. They also work hand in hand with the board to execute strategy.
Our team in Rwanda is the front lines of our operations to support vulnerable children. They include child counselors for rehabilitation & tutoring, coaches & instructors for after school activities, and staff to run our facility. This staff is on our payroll.

Golf for a Cause: Rising Above the Storms

Serve as Finance Director

Lead Community Outreach Director role

Give

RISING ABOVE the STORMS

2025 Annual reports -->

2024 Annual reports -->

2023 Annual reports -->

2022 Annual reports -->

2021 Annual reports -->

2020 Annual reports -->

Christy Hoffman

Matt Anderson

Mollie Pinckney

Natasha Medappa

Raj Dhaliwal

Sam Myers

Not every success story needs a dramatic breakthrough. 💙 Sometimes the best news is simply that our students are doing well! During recent school visits, our Rwanda team checked on students' academic progress, listened to their experiences, and heard encouraging updates—including no particular academic challenges from the students interviewed. 📚 Sometimes, success is the steady progress happening in classrooms every day. And that's worth celebrating! 🙌🏾 #RiseAbove #StudentSuccess #EducationAccess

Hello, November! 💙 Our Month of Giving begins with the reason RAS exists. Our founder, Alphonsine Anderson, knows firsthand that even a full scholarship doesn't cover everything a student needs to succeed. That experience inspired Rising Above the Storms (RAS) to provide practical support beyond school fees, helping students focus on their education and future. 🎁 This November, be part of a student's success story! Choose a meaningful gift from our Holiday Wishlist and help provide the essentials students need to thrive. Make your gift today: https://secure.givelively.org/event/rising-above-the-storms/ras-children-wish-list-2026 #RiseAbove #HolidayGiving #EducationAccess

What if just a few dollars could help a student access healthcare for an entire year? 💙 In Rwanda, families can access affordable health insurance through Mutuelle de Santé, a community-based insurance program. 🏥 Here's how it works: Families make an annual contribution based on their income. The insurance helps cover medical consultations, treatment, and medications at participating health facilities. Families pay reduced costs when they need medical care. But even a few dollars can be out of reach for families struggling to meet basic needs. That's where Rising Above the Storms (RAS) comes in. We help cover health insurance contributions for vulnerable students and their families so that getting sick doesn't become another obstacle to education. ❤️ Just $450 can help provide annual health insurance coverage for up to 100 eligible people. Our goal? Every RAS student covered. Will you help us get there? 💙 Donate today for a monthly gift: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-future-leaders-circle #RiseAbove #HealthEquity #EducationAccess

Education opens doors. The right support helps students walk through them. 💙 At Rising Above the Storms (RAS), we believe student success goes beyond the classroom. That's why our commitment includes: 🍎 Nutritious meals to support learning and well-being. ❤️ Counseling and mentorship to help students navigate challenges and build resilience. 🌱 Life-skills development to build confidence and prepare for the future. 🤝 Ongoing support through a dedicated team that stays connected with students, families, and schools. Our goal isn't simply to help students access education. It's to give them the support they need to thrive. Every part of that support matters, including some you might not immediately associate with education. 💙 Learn more about our mission: https://risingabovethestorms.org #RiseAbove #StudentSuccess #EducationAccess

Dedicate a gift to help provide monthly groceries for siblings keeping their family together. After losing both parents, these siblings continue living together and caring for one another with support from RAS. For the past several years, RAS has helped provide monthly groceries for their household. This support is simple, practical, and deeply important. It helps strengthen stability at home while the children continue their education and daily life together. When donating, use the dedication option to direct your gift toward groceries for these siblings. Dedicate your gift: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-future-leaders-circle #RiseAbove #FamilyStability #FoodSecurity #StudentSupport

Some of the most important student support happens in ordinary moments. At the RAS Center, students learn, play, practice responsibility, build friendships, and spend time with trusted adults who know them. A meal. A conversation. A group activity. A shared responsibility. A safe place to return to. These moments may not always look dramatic, but they help students stay connected, steady, and supported. That is part of the work your support makes possible. #RiseAbove #StudentSupport #WholeChildSupport #YouthDevelopment

One evening of generosity. A lasting impact on students’ lives. 💙 To everyone who joined us at Topgolf RTP, thank you for showing up for the students of Rising Above the Storms (RAS)! ⛳ What started as an evening of golf, laughter, and connection will make a difference far beyond the event. Your support helps students in Rwanda: 📚 Stay in school 🍎 Access nutritious meals 💙 Receive counseling and emotional support 🌱 Develop essential life skills 🤝 Receive basic needs and support The event lasted one evening. The impact continues every day. To everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, or helped spread the word—thank you for being part of what makes this work possible! 🙏🏾 💙 Stay connected and see the impact you're helping create: https://risingabovethestorms.org/#subscribe #RiseAbove #EducationChangesLives #Rwanda #CommunityImpact

Tomorrow, our RTP community gathers for a purpose. RAS supporters will come together at Topgolf to help raise funds for students in Rwanda. Events like this matter because they turn community into practical support: education access, meals, counseling, school needs, family follow-up, and care that continues throughout the year. We are grateful for everyone attending, sponsoring, donating, and helping make the evening possible. Join us or support the fundraiser: https://secure.givelively.org/event/rising-above-the-storms/swing-for-hope-a-topgolf-evening-for-rising-above-the-storms-rtp-2026 #RiseAbove #EducationAccess #StudentSupport #CommunityForGood

The school year has started. Some students still need sponsors. RAS is now supporting over 200 students in Rwanda, including 60 newly welcomed students this school year. Monthly sponsorship helps make student support more predictable—not just for the first week of school, but for the months ahead. Grade School Sponsorship: $55/month College Sponsorship: $100/month Your recurring gift helps RAS continue providing the support students need to remain in school and keep moving forward. Sponsor a student or start a monthly gift: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-future-leaders-circle #RiseAbove #StudentSponsorship #EducationAccess #StudentSupport

Students need support that reaches beyond the classroom. At RAS, education support includes more than school fees, uniforms, and supplies. It also includes trusted adults, counseling, creative expression, life-skills activities, sports, and spaces where students can build confidence, discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These are the supports that help students stay steady, connected, and ready to keep learning. Because helping a child remain in school also means supporting the whole child. #RiseAbove #WholeChildSupport #StudentSupport #EducationAccess #YouthDevelopment

Education opens doors - and every young person deserves the chance to walk through them. 🎓✨ In Rwanda, Rising Above the Storms works alongside students to help remove barriers to education and provide the support they need to keep moving forward. A book, a school supply, an educational opportunity, each one can become part of something much bigger: a student building their own path toward a promising future. ❤️ Your support helps make that journey possible. Learn more and join us: www.risingabovethestorms.org #RiseAbove #PowerOfEducation #StudentSuccess #OpportunityThroughEducation #BuildingFutures

The first weeks of school tell us what students will need to stay on track. Now that the school year has started in Rwanda, our focus is not only on enrollment. It is on what comes next. RAS students need school fees, supplies, meals, counseling, health support, family follow-up, and regular check-ins from our Rwanda team throughout the year. This year, RAS is supporting over 200 students, including 60 newly welcomed students. A new school year has begun. Now the work is to help students remain supported beyond the first day. Like and follow our page to learn more #RiseAbove #StudentSupport #EducationAccess #WholeChildSupport

RTP community, let’s tee up for a night that gives back! ⛳️🏌🏻‍♀️ Join Rising Above the Storms at Topgolf RTP for Golf for a Cause - an evening of friendly competition, food, drinks, and connection, all while supporting the students and communities we serve. ❤️ 📅 October 14 | 5–8 PM EST 📍 Topgolf RTP | Durham, NC 🎟️ $70/person - food, drinks & play included Bring your crew, take your best swing, and help us make an impact! 🙌 Grab your tickets: Link in bio #RiseAbove #GolfForACause #GolfForGood #TopgolfRTP #DurhamNC #GiveBack

Day 3 with students during our first Rwanda Immersion was full of energy, talent, teamwork, and hard goodbyes. Our RAS volunteer group from the U.S. joined students for a soccer match, creative presentations, storytelling, and time together at the Center. Students competed, performed, shared their voices, and gave us a closer look at the confidence, discipline, creativity, and leadership growing within them. Goodbyes were hard, but we remain grateful to each and every person who took this journey with us—and to our students for welcoming us with so much joy. Watch the Day 3 with students recap: https://youtu.be/_SNOdzftpgQ?si=_6dwa0aoPKc72XOf #RiseAbove #StudentSupport #YouthDevelopment #WholeChildSupport

🎒 A new school year is underway in Rwanda, and we’re grateful to welcome 60 new students into RAS support. From tuition and school supplies to mattresses, meals, health support, and other essentials, back-to-school support means removing the barriers that can keep a student from learning. More than 200 students are now moving forward with RAS behind them. 💛 🎓 Give a student the gift of education. Sponsor a student today: https://risingabovethestorms.org/donate/sponsor-a-scholar/ #RiseAbove #BackToSchool #Education #Rwanda #SponsorAStudent #YouthEmpowerment #EducationForAll #NonprofitImpact

Every student deserves someone who believes in their future. At RAS, we’re helping young people in Rwanda turn determination into opportunity through education, resources, and continued support. ❤️📚 When you support RAS, you’re not just giving — you’re reminding a student that their dreams are worth investing in. Together, we rise. ✨ Learn more: www.risingabovethestorms.org #RiseAbove #InvestInTheirFuture #EmpowerStudents #EducationChangesLives #TogetherWeRise

🇷🇼 Rwanda Volunteer Trip 2026 | Day 2 Day two brought our volunteer group into the heart of the community - visiting our students in their homes, and spending meaningful time with their families. ❤️ These personal connections and life-changing moments reminded us exactly why this work matters. 🌍💛 ✨ Join us in rising above the storms: risingabovethestorms.org/donations/ #Rwanda2026 #DonorTrip #CommunityImpact #BrighterFutures

⛳️ Golf for a cause! 🏌️‍♀️ Join Rising Above the Storms for a fun-filled evening at Topgolf RTP - bringing our community together for food, friendly competition, connection, and most importantly, supporting a great cause. 📅 October 14, 2026 | 5–8 PM EST 📍 Topgolf RTP – Durham, NC 🎟️ $70/person — includes food, drinks & play Whether you’re a golf pro or have never picked up a club, everyone is welcome! Come play, connect, and help us continue creating opportunities for the students and communities we serve. ❤️ Grab your tickets and join us - Link in bio. #RiseAbove #RAS #TopgolfFundraiser #GolfForGood #GiveBack #CommunityImpact #DurhamNC

📚 A new school year is a fresh start, and every student deserves to begin with confidence. For RAS students, that means knowing someone is in their corner: encouraging them, checking in, and helping provide what they need to keep moving forward. This Back to School season, our community can be part of that support. ❤️ Help an RAS student start the year strong: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/empowering-dreams-one-student-at-a-time-2026 #RiseAbove #RASBackToSchool #StudentSuccess #Education

🎒 60 new students are joining RAS next month. ❤️ Each one brings a different story, different strengths, and different dreams. Our job is to help make sure opportunity is not the thing standing in their way. From school support and supplies to technology, meals, mentorship, and more, we are getting ready to welcome our newest cohort. ❤️ Support our Back to School campaign: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/empowering-dreams-one-student-at-a-time-2026 #RiseAbove #RASBackToSchool #ItTakesAVillage

Education doesn’t stop when the school day ends. For our students in Rwanda, having someone who knows their story, understands their challenges, and is there when circumstances change can make a lasting difference. Our local team works alongside students, families, and schools to identify challenges early and connect students with the support they need, from counseling and family outreach to regular check-ins and follow-up. It’s not just about keeping students in school. It’s about making sure they have a strong support system around them as they grow. This is what whole - child support looks like at RAS. ❤️ Learn more: www.risingabovethestorms.org #RiseAbove #WholeChildSupport #StudentSuccess #YouthDevelopment #EducationForAll

Just $5 can help give someone access to health coverage for an entire year. ❤️‍🩹 At Rising Above the Storms, supporting a student means supporting the family around them. Today, RAS provides community health insurance for 146 people—more than 30 students and their families. This year, our goal is to extend coverage to 50 more students and their households—approximately 250 people. A small gift can help build healthier families and give students a stronger foundation to learn and thrive. Help us expand health coverage: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-immersion-trip-to-rwanda-2026 #RiseAbove #HealthAccess #Education #CommunityImpact

🇷🇼 What a journey. What a welcome. What a reminder of why we do this work. ❤️ This year’s Rising Above the Storms Immersion Trip to Rwanda has come to an end, and we’re returning home with full hearts and so many unforgettable memories. We spent time with our students, staff, and community - learning together, sharing experiences, celebrating, and seeing firsthand the impact of the programs and resources our supporters help make possible. From delivering much-needed supplies and learning tools to connecting face-to-face with the people at the heart of RAS, every moment made this trip incredibly special. To everyone who donated, supported, encouraged, and helped bring this experience to life: Thank you. You were part of this journey, too. These photos capture just a few of the moments we’ll carry with us. 🇷🇼❤️ #RiseAbove #RASInRwanda #Rwanda #CommunityImpact #StudentSupport #Education #MakingADifference

❤️🇷🇼 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐭. At @risingabovethestorms, we can count school fees paid, meals served, students enrolled, laptops provided, and young people progressing through school. 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒚. 😊 Laughter with friends. ⚽ Teamwork and discipline on the soccer field. 💃🏾 The confidence to perform. 🎨 The freedom to create, play, and discover. 🤝 Friendships, connection, and a sense of belonging. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭, 𝐭𝐨𝐨. Our Center is more than a place where needs are met. It is a place where students learn, build confidence, discover their abilities, form friendships—and have space to simply enjoy being young. 💛 Because growth is not only reflected in a grade or an exam result. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐨𝐲. ❤️ And we believe our students deserve space for all of it. #RiseAbove #Education #YouthDevelopment #StudentSuccess #Community

❤️🇷🇼 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐀𝐒 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 🌿 We closed our journey at Ishobe, a cultural farm outside Kigali where 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝. 🌾 Our group experienced how earlier generations prepared food and worked the land—grinding sorghum by hand, preparing cassava flour with a traditional mortar and pestle, learning how bananas were ripened and made into juice, and watching traditional cow milking. We even helped cut a bunch of bananas that later became part of our lunch. ♻️ We loved seeing how everything on the farm connects—cattle, crops, food, and natural fertilizer all supporting one another. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐢𝐭. 🥁 Young Intore (traditional Rwandan dancers) and drummers brought incredible energy before we gathered for a traditional lunch of plantains, beans, cassava, potatoes, cassava leaves, fresh banana juice, and banana beer for those who wanted to try it. 🤝 It was a beautiful way to close a week that took us through Rwanda’s history and culture, into the homes of our students, alongside our staff, and into relationships none of us could have fully anticipated. ✈️ Then came the bittersweet goodbyes. Some members of our group headed to the airport while others continued exploring Rwanda. 🙏🏾 To our inaugural group: thank you for traveling thousands of miles, giving your time and resources, opening yourselves to our students, families, staff, culture, and stories—and for trusting this vision.❤️ 🇷🇼 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐀𝐒 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬. And we have a feeling this is only the beginning. ✨ #RiseAbove #RwandaImmersion #Culture #VisitRwanda

𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟒 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧—and our final day with the students—gave us so many reasons to celebrate. ❤️🇷🇼 ⚽ We started on the soccer field with our team from the RAS street-connected program. They won 6–4, and our group cheered with pride, but what impressed us most was their discipline, teamwork, and respect. For some of these young people, that represents tremendous growth. When an opposing player had a minor injury, one of our boys immediately went over and embraced him. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞. 🙌🏾 💃 Back at the Center, our students shared an incredible dance performance before we moved into a storytelling session. Students and guests exchanged stories of successes, failures, lessons learned, and perseverance. The questions, laughter, and openness made the room come alive. ✍🏾 To keep our students practicing, we launched a storytelling contest, with awards for the top five stories. We want them to become confident in telling their own stories—in their own voices. ❤️ And then came the goodbyes. We talked, hugged, took endless photos, and lingered far longer than planned. There were tears on both sides. In just three days together, our students and guests formed connections far deeper than we could have imagined. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭. What an extraordinary three days with our students. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made them possible. 🇷🇼❤️ #RiseAbove #RisingAbovetheStorms #Rwanda #Education #YouthDevelopment #Storytelling #Teamwork #Community

𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟑 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐮𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫—and deeper into the lives, resilience, and dreams of our students. ❤️🇷🇼 🏡 We began by visiting three families in their homes. We listened, learned, delivered food, and saw firsthand why the support surrounding each student matters. One message came through repeatedly: our Rwanda staff have become trusted listeners, mentors, and an extension of these families. 🎨 Our guests also rolled up their sleeves to help paint the home of siblings in our program whom RAS continues to support with groceries and other needs. 💼 The afternoon shifted toward the future. Our Grade 10 through university students joined our guests for candid career conversations about education, mentors, interviewing, responsible AI, showcasing their skills, knowing their values, persevering through discouragement, and refusing to be defined by their circumstances. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐲—𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠. ❤️ We are deeply grateful to our guests for showing up with their time, experience, compassion, and willingness to listen. #RiseAbove #RisingAbovetheStorms #Rwanda #Education #Mentorship #Community #StudentSuccess

𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐲. ❤️🇷🇼 Nearly 40 RAS students, from fourth grade through university, joined us at the Center for a day intentionally built around connection. 🎨 Through icebreakers, LEGO, origami, puzzles, games, and conversation, our students and guests quickly connected. Christy designed and led the activities, while Idrissa—our first college graduate and one of our earliest students—stepped in to translate and support others. #Teamwork 🙌🏾 📸 By the end, no one seemed ready to leave. Students and guests lingered for photos, laughter, and more conversation. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥. ☕ We capped the day with our first 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚, joined by @cisco employees around the world and special guest Fran Katsoudas, @Cisco’s Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer. Fran shared powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, knowing your values, taking ownership of your future, and using success to create opportunities for others. Our students also had the opportunity to ask her questions directly. ⚡ Even a brief power outage couldn’t stop the momentum—we adapted and kept going. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. ❤️🇷🇼 #RiseAbove #RisingAbovetheStorms #Rwanda #Education #Cisco #Community

We still cannot believe our inaugural Rwanda Immersion Trip has come and gone. ❤️🇷🇼 For this first journey, 10 of our donors and supporters from across the United States, led by our founder @alphonsine_ras, came together in Rwanda to experience the heart of @risingabovethestorms firsthand—to learn, serve, connect with our students and staff, and better understand the communities behind the work they have helped make possible. Over the next few posts, we’ll take you back through this unforgettable week, beginning with Day 1. We started at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi are laid to rest. It was a solemn and essential beginning—time to learn, reflect, and honor the lives of our loved ones who were taken simply because they were Tutsi. From remembrance, the day opened into Rwanda’s culture, creativity, energy, and beauty. We enjoyed lunch with live music, visited Irebe Arts Center to watch a weaving demonstration and support local artisans, experienced the lively Kimironko Market, and ended the afternoon watching the sunset at Nyandungu Eco Park before gathering for dinner. Day 1 gave our guests important context. To understand the work of RAS and the young people we serve, it matters to understand both the history that shaped Rwanda and the resilience, beauty, and hope that define the country today. And that was only the beginning. ❤️ #RiseAbove #RisingAbovetheStorms #Rwanda #Kwibuka32 #VisitRwanda #Community #Impact

Our guests are on their way, and we cannot wait to welcome them to Rwanda! 🇷🇼❤️ This weekend, we will welcome our inaugural @risingabovethestorms Rwanda Immersion group. Next week will be busy, full, and exciting. Our guests will spend time with our students and their families, meet our Rwanda team, participate in activities at the Center, and experience the work of RAS up close. We will be sharing photos, stories, and special moments throughout the week, so follow along here for updates. ✨ There is still time to be part of the impact. Your support will help us provide additional resources for our students, families, and programs. Support the campaign: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-immersion-trip-to-rwanda-2026 #RiseAbove #RisingAbovetheStorms #Rwanda #EducationAccess #StudentSupport #NonprofitImpact

4 days before our first RAS immersion group arrives, final preparations are in motion. Our founder, @alphonsine_ras has arrived in Rwanda ahead of the group and is working with our Rwanda team to prepare student activities, coordinate supplies, review logistics, and get ready to welcome our visitors. Thanks to generous donors, the laptops and community service project have been funded. Additional gifts will help us purchase and provide more of what students and families need while we are there, including school supplies, groceries, program materials, and items identified by our Rwanda team. We are grateful for everyone helping make this visit meaningful for our students, staff, and community. There is still time to support the campaign: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-immersion-trip-to-rwanda-2026 More to come as our guests arrive #RiseAbove #StudentSupport #WholeChildSupport #EducationAccess

Sponsor a month of groceries for siblings keeping their family together. After losing both parents, these siblings have continued living together in a sibling-led household. For the past several years, RAS has provided groceries each month to help them meet their basic needs and maintain stability at home. This is not a one-time food delivery. It is consistent support that helps ensure they have food in the home while continuing their education and caring for one another. As our August visit approaches, you can dedicate your gift toward their monthly groceries and help us continue standing with this family. Sponsor their groceries or contribute toward one month of support: https://risingabovethestorms.org/donations/ #RiseAbove #FamilyStability #FoodSecurity #WholeChildSupport

When progress is visible at home and at school, you know the change is real. Fabrice’s mother shared that he has become more responsible and completed the school year without a disciplinary incident. His teacher confirmed the same progress: improved behavior, regular attendance, active participation, and strong academic performance. RAS support does not stop at the Center. Our Rwanda team stays connected to parents, guardians, teachers, and schools—because supporting the whole child requires the full village around them. Fabrice is now preparing for Rwanda’s national exams at the end of primary school. This is progress built together. #RiseAbove #WholeChildSupport #FamilyEngagement #SchoolPartnerships

Two weeks to Rwanda—and there is still time to help us make this visit unforgettable. 🇷🇼 Thanks to our generous community, we have now raised enough to fund the laptops and our community service project. Now, we are preparing to bring even more for our students, staff, and community. Some items—such as LEGOs and other learning tools—will travel with us from the United States. Because luggage space and weight are limited, other needs will be purchased locally in Rwanda, including music equipment, school supplies, clothing and shoes, soccer gear, and additional resources for our programs. Every gift helps us add something meaningful to this first RAS immersion trip. Help us make the visit memorable for our students, staff, and community: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-immersion-trip-to-rwanda-2026 #RiseAbove #CreativeLearning #StudentSupport #CommunityImpact

A student rarely falls behind all at once. The signs often appear first in missed classes, changes in behavior, family difficulties, or a quiet conversation that reveals something is wrong. That is why our Rwanda team stays close. They visit schools, meet with families, provide counseling, follow up with students, and respond before a setback becomes a crisis. This work is local, personal, and often unseen—but it is essential to helping students remain supported and continue moving forward. Meet the team behind the work. More info: www.risingabovethestorms.org #RiseAbove #StudentSupport #WholeChildSupport #SchoolRetention #YouthDevelopment

For less than $5, you can help provide one person with health coverage for an entire year. At RAS, supporting the whole child means going beyond tuition. A student’s ability to learn is closely connected to the health and stability of the family around them. Because Rwanda’s community health insurance is household-based, covering one student means including the family members in that household. Today, RAS provides coverage for 146 people—more than 30 students and their families. Our commitment to well-being also extends to our Rwanda team. About three years ago, we began providing employer-sponsored medical insurance for our staff and their families. Our long-term goal is to provide health coverage for every RAS student and family. This year, we want to add 50 more students—approximately 250 people when their households are included. Help us extend coverage to more RAS families: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-immersion-trip-to-rwanda-2026 #RiseAbove #HealthAccess #Education #SocialImpact

When Angelo lost his father, RAS walked through that loss with him. At 12 years old, Angelo is the oldest of three children. Through his sponsor, his school fees remain covered, allowing him to stay in class and continue improving academically and beyond. But the support did not stop with tuition. Our Rwanda team remains close to Angelo and his family as they navigate grief and a major change in their lives. In Angelo’s words, “Now, I am free, and no one can take me out of class.” His story reflects what sponsorship can make possible: continuity in school, trusted support through difficult seasons, and the stability to keep moving forward. #RiseAbove #EducationMatters #StudentSupport

July brings us one month closer to Rwanda. 🇷🇼 Preparations are underway for our first RAS immersion trip. But the work behind the trip is already happening every day — through counseling, school and family follow-up, student support, and the steady commitment of our Rwanda team. Throughout July, we will share more about the students at the heart of this mission, the work happening on the ground, and what we are preparing to bring with us in August. The trip is getting closer. The work continues. Follow along in July as we share more from Rwanda and prepare for August. #RiseAbove #Rwanda #EducationMatters #StudentSupport #SocialImpact

As part of our RAS immersion trip, a small group of supporters will carry the laptops with them and hand-deliver them to students and our Rwanda team. Each laptop sponsored will be more than a donation receipt. Donors will receive a photo of the recipient after delivery, so you can see the student or team member your gift helped equip. A laptop costs $700 and includes the operating system and Microsoft Office Suite. Sponsor one laptop, or give any amount toward a laptop before our August trip. 👉 Donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-laptop-campaign-2026 #RiseAbove #DigitalAccess #EducationMatters #Rwanda #StudentSuccess

Belonging is part of learning. At the RAS Center, students find structure, care, football, music, and safe routines that help them grow with confidence. For students temporarily staying at the Center, music instruments have become a favorite part of the evening — a moment of joy, calm, and expression before rest. Education is not only academic. It is emotional, social, creative, and practical too. Subscribe and follow along as we share more from our Rwanda programs: https://risingabovethestorms.org/ #RiseAbove #EducationChangesLives #YouthDevelopment

At our Center in Rwanda, a hot meal is not an extra. It is part of the work. During a recent school visit, one student shared that she struggles academically because her family often does not have enough food in the evenings. She still shows up. That is why we support the whole child. When students come to the Center, they can count on a hot meal, care, and encouragement. When needs arise at home, our team steps in as logistics and resources allow. Because a child cannot learn well on an empty stomach. 👉 Sponsor a gift toward their future: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-future-leaders-circle #RiseAbove #EducationChangesLives #OneStudentAtATime

A child should not lose opportunity because of poverty. Education is more than tuition. For RAS students, staying in school can also mean having shoes, notebooks, counseling, school follow-up, and someone checking in when life at home is hard. As we prepare for our August Rwanda trip, we are reminded that lasting impact is built through consistent, dignity-centered support — the kind that helps students stay in class, receive materials on time, and keep moving forward. Help us create consistency for our students. Give today: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-immersion-trip-to-rwanda-2026 #RiseAbove #EducationChangesLives #OneStudentAtATime

For street-connected youth, school holidays are not always a break. They can be a test of structure, discipline, and how time is used. Every Tuesday and Thursday, our students gather at the Center in groups. Some wash clothes and shoes. Some care for the kitchen garden. Some clean shared spaces and bedding. They also participate in group counseling, computer and digital learning, music, and football. Every hour is intentional. Because when time is left empty, risk can fill the gap. Last month, our football team won their match 1–0. That is what discipline looks like when it is built day by day — in routines, responsibility, guidance, learning, creativity, and on the field. Keep building with us: https://risingabovethestorms.org/donations/ #RiseAbove #Rwanda #StreetConnected #YouthDevelopment #BeyondTuition

🎉 Later this summer, a group of RAS supporters will experience our work firsthand on the ground in Rwanda. This August, Rising Above the Storms is bringing a group of supporters to Rwanda to meet the students we support, spend time with our team, and experience how this mission comes to life. Together, we will also help bring practical resources — including laptops and school supplies — that support students as they continue learning and moving forward. Proximity matters. You can still be part of this impact trip — donate to this mission and travel with us in spirit. 👉https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-immersion-trip-to-rwanda-2026 #RiseAbove #Rwanda2026 #EducationMatters #SocialImpact

He builds doors for a living. A few years ago, he didn't have one. One of our students in Rwanda once lived on the streets. Today, through our vocational training program, he is employed in metalwork — fabricating doors and windows and supporting his family. Somewhere, the next young person is ready for the same opportunity. 👉 Give today: https://risingabovethestorms.org/donations/ #RiseAbove #Rwanda #VocationalTraining #SelfSufficiency #BeyondTuition

When the father of one of our students in Rwanda fell ill, our team visited the family — and brought groceries. When he passed, they visited the widow. The student's sponsor, moved by the news, reached out independently to support the grieving family. One student. One community. Showing up at every turn. This is Rising Above the Storms. 👉 Join us and sponsor a student: https://risingabovethestorms.org/donate/sponsor-a-scholar/ #RiseAbove #Rwanda #ChildSponsorship #BeyondTuition

A laptop can change how a student learns—and how our team supports them. We’re raising funds for 20 laptops to strengthen learning, student support, and digital access in Rwanda. Sponsor one laptop or give toward the campaign. 👉 https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rising-above-the-storms/ras-laptop-campaign-2026 #RiseAbove #EducationMatters #DigitalAccess #StudentSuccess #SocialImpact

It’s more than soccer. For children in our street-connected program, soccer creates structure, routine, and a place to belong. On the field, they learn to listen, focus, work as a team, handle pressure, and keep showing up. That growth carries beyond the game. Donate today to support this work. 👉 👉 https://risingabovethestorms.org/donations/ #RiseAbove #YouthDevelopment #MoreThanASport #EducationMatters #SocialImpact

Fabrice is a freshman studying Quantity Surveying at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology. During a recent visit by our staff, he shared that his studies are going well and that he is working hard to achieve his goals. Fabrice has a 1:1 sponsor today. That support helps him stay focused and keep moving forward. But more students are still waiting for that same opportunity. Sponsor a student like Fabrice today. 👉 Link in bio #RiseAbove #EducationMatters #StudentSuccess #SocialImpact #StudentSponsor

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. At RAS, counseling has always been one of our differentiators. It helps us understand the whole child — not only their school needs, but also their family realities, behavior, and emotional well-being. We counsel students, and we also work with parents and caregivers, because lasting progress takes a village. Several of our staff are trained counselors by profession. That is intentional. Donate today to support mental wellness and whole-child care. 👉 Link in bio #RiseAbove #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #EducationMatters #YouthDevelopment #SocialImpact

Behind every number in our Annual Impact Reports is a child, a family, and a future still being built. Our 2025 Annual Impact Report is now available. It reflects a year of students supported, families strengthened, programs expanded, and young people continuing to move toward education, stability, and opportunity. It also reflects the hard work behind the scenes — donors, sponsors, volunteers, our U.S. team, our board, and our Rwanda team all helping move this mission forward. To everyone who gave, served, shared, sponsored, advised, encouraged, or opened a door in 2025: thank you. Your partnership made this impact possible. 👉 Read our 2025 Annual Impact Report here: https://risingabovethestorms.org/annual-reports/ #RiseAbove #AnnualImpactReport #EducationMatters #SocialImpact #2025ImpactReport

Support should not stop once a child is in school and tuition is paid. During recent school visits, our Rwanda team checked in with students preparing for exams. Some were doing well. Others were facing health challenges that could affect their studies. That is why follow-up matters. We stay close enough to notice. And close enough to respond. Join our Future Leaders Circle and help us keep showing up. 👉 Link in bio #RiseAbove #EducationMatters #StudentSupport #SocialImpact

Not every success story is dramatic. Sometimes progress looks like a student showing up, staying focused, and doing the work—day after day. That kind of progress matters too. Join us in supporting the steady work behind student progress. 👉 Link in bio #RiseAbove

🌷 Today, we celebrate the mothers of the children we serve in Rwanda. The mothers who keep showing up. The mothers who work hard, pray hard, sacrifice quietly, and still wonder if they are doing enough. Many of these mothers carry a heavy burden. They want the best for their children, but poverty can make even the basics feel out of reach. At RAS, these mothers are not bystanders in our work. They are partners. They know their children deeply. They keep believing, keep pushing, and keep holding families together when life is hard. In Rwanda, we often say that a woman is a community. To every mother connected to our students who has ever felt inadequate because she could not provide everything her child needed: 👏 We see your effort, we respect your love, and we are proud to walk beside you as your children keep learning, growing, and moving forward. 🤎 Happy Mother’s Day. #RiseAbove #MothersDay #Education #SocialImpact

Behind every child we support is a team that shows up every day. Our Rwanda team does far more than supervise. They guide, mentor, correct, encourage, and help create the structure children need to keep moving forward. They know the students beyond school. They know their stories, their families, their struggles, and their potential. This is the heart of RAS. #RiseAbove #MeetTheTeam #Education #Rwanda

She made it to university. Now she’s trying to stay. Getting in is one thing. Staying takes support. Join us! ✨ Link in bio #RiseAbove #SponsoraStudent

“RAS has been more than support—they are like family. They showed up for us in ways that went beyond school, including providing food to our family when we needed it the most.” This is how we show up. Join us! Sponsor a child: 👉🏾 Link in bio #RiseAbove

Collective

Collections

Account

RISING ABOVE the STORMS staff