The Maranyundo Summer Board Trip

Board members Kaia Miller Goldstein, Daphne Petri, Melissa Carr, and Executive Director Jessi Smolow traveled to Rwanda this year from July 29 to August 9. They joined Board members Kathy Kantengwa and new Board member Lucy Mbabazi. 

Our Newest Board Member

Lucy Mbabazi

The purpose of the trip was to see firsthand the current MI-supported programs, including the Benebikira School of Excellence Project, which provides science trainings and reading support to all 17 Benebikira schools in Rwanda. The new Tech Equity Project, which brings laptops, stronger internet, and other technology to Maranyundo plus two other Benebikira schools. And the Tufts/Makerspace PEBL (Playful Engineering Based Learning) project which provides Makerspace training to 20 schools in Rwanda. 

MGS Student with her new laptop after personalizing it with fun stickers

The trip also allowed the group to reconnect with MI partners in-person for the first time since COVID, including celebrating Sister Ann!

Celebrating Sister Ann

While meeting with Sister Laetitia, the Head of School, she outlined her priorities and goals for the 2022-2023 school year, including teachers’ professional development around science and technology, strengthening clubs and extracurriculars, and post-grad help for students. 

Some students participating in a student focus group after the implementation of the MGS 1:1 Student Laptop Program

All in all, the board trip was productive and inspiring. We look forward to continuing supporting the work happening at the Maranyundo Girls School and beyond.

Thank you all for supporting the Maranyundo Initiative!