Rwanda, like many sub-Saharan countries, faces an acute orphanage crisis. In most, the high prevalence of orphanhood stems from the ravages of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases. In Rwanda, the situation was greatly exacerbated by the 1994 genocide. Caring for the innocent young victims of these scourges is not merely a moral issue: it has important implications for the political stability of the affected countries and that of the entire continent. Read more about the orphan crisis and the Rwandan genocide.

Small in geographic extent, Rwanda is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. Though agriculturally fertile, it does not possess oil, gemstones, or other substantial mineral deposits. Its government, which came to power after the genocide, has declared education a national priority, but has limited financial resources. Read more about Rwanda, and education in Rwanda.