Four years ago, I graduated from Vanderbilt University and visited Rwanda. Little did I know the visit would become a permanent move. Genocide had devastated the land and the people, but still the strong soul of Africa remained vibrant. It wrapped itself around my heart, and I couldn't leave. I met people who had lived through atrocities, but still smiled. Young women, orphaned and jobless, helped me learn to appreciate the simplicity in life.  Stunned by their grief, moved by their optimism, I decided to help in what I felt the most appropriate way: creating an avenue for education.

It took nearly a year and a half of planning before Akilah opened. What kept me going through those 18 months? Imagining our first class of students. I believed that opening the doors to Akilah would open the door to a better future for our students, a future out of poverty, a future of success.

Our first semester leaves me filled with joy and gratitude. Joy because our students have taken ownership of their studies. They have worked hard in classes like Leadership & Ethics to rid themselves of negative thoughts and power on with their individual strengths. They dove into Hospitality class, even though it was a foreign concept to most of them, and now understand customer care and self-confidence. Six of them now have part-time jobs at a hotel in Kigali!

The most beautiful part of their success is that it reverberates throughout their communities.  I believe that to educate a woman is to educate a nation. 

I am filled with gratitude for many reasons. First, because we have such exceptional, dedicated students who sincerely appreciate the opportunity to study at Akilah. Second, because of the committed, generous support of our donors who have made scholarships, snacks, movies, and trips to the gorillas realities for our students. Without you, Akilah would have remained merely a dream. Thank you!

Two of the Akilah students are coming to the US for the first time in October and we want you to meet them.  Stay tuned for more details! 

Thank you for working with us to change the lives of future leaders of Rwanda.

With deep gratitude,

Elizabeth Dearborn Davis

Co-Founder & CEO