Unexpected Detours & Lifelong Lessons

Dear Friends and Supporters,

This summer’s gardening season started off with a bang—literally. On my very first day out in the garden, I tripped, fell on a rock, and snapped my wrist. Now, I’m facing 6 to 8 weeks in a cast, trying to navigate daily life entirely one-handed.

digging a hole with one arm

To be honest, it’s frustrating and painful. But as I fumble with daily tasks, I am reminded of a profound truth: for me, this is just a temporary setback. For the children we serve in Kayonza, Rwanda, physical and cognitive challenges are lifelong.

Going through my own temporary struggle has given me an even deeper appreciation for our students. Every single day, they face obstacles much greater than a broken bone. Yet, as they work tirelessly to learn simple skills we take for granted—like dressing themselves—I am constantly inspired by their sheer determination.

Take two of our boys, Fabrice and Emmanuel, for example.

Determination Knows No Bounds

Every day last year, Fabrice and Emmanuel watched a little girl named Elizabeth walk happily off to school with her classmates, eager to start her new class. Wanting that same joy for themselves, the boys eventually began to tag along. They would slip into the classroom, sit down, and look up at the teacher, absolutely starved for knowledge.

Because our classrooms were already packed to the brim and we didn't have enough sponsors to cover their fees, Teacher Alice gently had to walk them back home.

But Fabrice and Emmanuel refused to give up. Every single day, they returned to the school porch, crying and begging just to stay and learn.

When Teacher Alice told us about their fierce persistence, we knew we had to make room. We squeezed them in, and today, they are thriving.

How You Can Help Balance the Scales

Children like Fabrice and Emmanuel are exactly why we do what we do. They are the reason we built our brand-new school building, and they are the reason we refuse to slow down. They don't want sympathy; they just want a chance to show the world what they can do.

Right now, we have 40 incredible children just like Fabrice and Emmanuel on our waitlist. They are sitting on the sidelines, eagerly waiting for their turn to walk through our doors.

We urgently need your help to get them into the classroom.

• Become a Sponsor: By sponsoring a child, you cover the school fees, specialized care, and daily meals that change a life forever. https://www.livingchannel.ca/donation-form

• Share Their Story: Forward this newsletter to a friend or family member who shares your heart for making a difference.

Thank you for standing with us, for cheering on our students, and for helping us turn "unexpected detours" into beautiful new beginnings.

With gratitude,

Julia Deimert

Program Director, Living Channel Services