Income Inequality and a $7 Lifeline

“Blessings and Blunders: A Journey of Learning in Rwanda” – Part 3

This week, joy wore many faces—none more memorable than the radiant smile of a teacher dancing with excitement over a modest honorarium.

As we dive deeper into the seminar, I’ve become acutely aware of the staggering income disparity faced by educators here. A university-educated teacher in a public school earns about $60 a month. Those lucky enough to be in private institutions may reach $200 a month. But there’s a catch—teachers are paid only when school is in session. That means during holidays, many scramble for second jobs just to keep their families afloat.

In contrast, we pay about $7 a day during our seminar to help bridge the gap. For some, this small amount isn’t just pocket change—it’s a lifeline.

Today, when we distributed stipends, one teacher burst into an impromptu dance, clutching her earnings like treasure. The joy in that moment was electric, proof that dignity can live inside a simple act of financial support.

We can’t shift the entire economy. But we can offer opportunities. A donation of just $90 sponsors one teacher’s participation in our seminar. That’s not just an investment in one educator—it’s a ripple effect that touches every student they teach.

That’s the kind of impact we believe in. That’s why we do this.

If you'd like to give or learn more, please contact us at livingchannel@gmail.com

Stay with us for Post 4: “The Book Blunder and a Silver Lining,” where printing mishaps once again test our patience—and reveal unexpected possibilities.