Does Orphans of Rwanda target only orphans with its projects?

ORI assists orphans and other socially and economically vulnerable young people. Many of our students have lost both their parents to the genocide, HIV/AIDS, or other diseases. Some have lost only one parent, but the surviving parent is ill or incapacitated. Others have been abandoned, or lost touch with their families during the genocide. A significant number are responsible for younger siblings.

Does Orphans of Rwanda fund education in the United States for Rwandans?

All ORI-supported students are enrolled at Rwandan universities. Due to funding constraints and the desire to build capacity in Rwanda, ORI does not currently support studies outside Rwanda.

How can I be confident that my money will be channeled safely to the beneficiaries in Rwanda? How does ORI avoid potential corruption problems and diversion of funds?

ORI takes its financial management responsibilities extremely seriously. It works from a comprehensive annual budget, pursuant to which it makes monthly transfers from a U.S. bank account to its account with a private bank in Rwanda. Funds are then disbursed by ORI’s in-country staff directly to universities and to student beneficiaries, as well as for other program and administrative expenses. Detailed expenditure reports are submitted on a monthly basis to ORI’s Executive Director and Treasurer.

How is Orphans of Rwanda addressing the challenges of HIV/AIDS?

ORI-sponsored testing for HIV/AIDS at the orphanages it assists has identified a number of children as HIV-positive. In cooperation with volunteer doctors at Kigali Central Hospital, ORI has succeeded in enrolling these children in treatment programs that promise to extend their lives indefinitely.

Student participants in ORI’s core university program are tested for possible HIV infection as part of regular health screenings. ORI provides annual group training to its scholarship holders on issues relating to sexual and reproductive health, including the avoidance of HIV/AIDS.

How can I help?

The most effective way to help is to send financial support. Every dollar you can afford will help us benefit more extremely needy young people. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by U.S. law.

A second key way of helping is to tell your family, friends and colleagues about ORI’s work. You can do that directly or by e-mail.

For other ideas, read our How to Help page.

How can I work for ORI?

Please check our Volunteering page to learn if there are any available openings for a position in Rwanda. If you are interested in volunteering for fundraising or administrative work based in the US, please email Michael.brotchner@orphansofrwanda.org with your CV.

Is Orphans of Rwanda an American organization or a Rwandan organization?

ORI is incorporated in the United States, and is registered as a charitable organization both in the United States and Rwanda. Fundraising and administrative support are based in the US, but on the ground operations in Rwanda are headed by Rwandans.

How much of my money actually gets to Rwanda?

ORI is committed to operating with low administrative costs so that donations will directly benefit the intended recipients. Our extensive team of volunteers makes this possible.

Can Orphans of Rwanda help me to adopt a child?

ORI is not an adoption agency and does not facilitate adoptions. For more information about adoptions in Rwanda, visit the US State Department Website.