As the new year unfolds, we’re stepping into a fresh chapter with hope, excitement, and a renewed commitment to the life-changing power of education. With your support, children in East Africa are thriving as their schools and communities are transformed. Before we look ahead, let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible highlights of 2024.

From launching new programs that will empower children’s families for generations, to collaborating with government leaders to prioritize children’s wellbeing in education, and celebrating 20 years of Wellspring’s journey with you—what a year it has been!

Here are four highlights from 2024, plus one exciting glimpse into what lies ahead in 2025.

#1 – Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in Schools

This year, impact continued to abound from the Youth First Rwanda program, a partnership between Wellspring and WorldBeing. This program prioritizes a child’s emotional wellbeing, equipping students with essential skills like confidence, decision-making, and understanding their worth and rights. These lessons empower students to thrive not just in school but also as changemakers in their communities.

Take Esther*, a teenager from Rusiga School. Inspired by what she learned, Esther began gathering teens in her village on weekends to teach them about goal setting, human rights, and gender-based violence—topics she felt were vital for her community.

“I don’t want young people in my village to remain ignorant about what I’ve learned,” Esther shared with us.

We were also honoured to build on the success of Youth First Rwanda by partnering with the Rwanda Basic Education Board to begin the development of a multi-year plan to advance emotional wellbeing in schools across the country. Together, we’re ensuring students are equipped with the confidence and character needed to succeed in life.

 

#2 – A New Era in Rubavu

2024 was also a pivotal year in Rubavu District. We began the wrap-up evaluation of the Rubavu School Development Program, launched in 2017. Early results show it has strengthened teaching practices, leadership, and parent engagement, creating a ripple effect that continues to benefit children’s education.

But we didn’t stop there. In 2024, we launched the Turere Abana program, a Kinyarwandan phrase that means, “Together, we educate and nurture our children.” This initiative supports families in Rubavu by training family coaches who work closely with parents to create nurturing homes and also provides focused training for parents or caregivers of children at high risk of dropping out of school. Simultaneously, school leaders are learning to create caring school cultures and leading peer learning sessions to help their teachers foster safe, joyful classrooms.

Training sessions happened on a rolling basis throughout the year, engaging family coaches and school leaders. Among many highlights was October’s training. School leaders from 23 schools gathered for training on creating safe, engaging, and welcoming learning environments! 

Together, we’re building a brighter future for Rubavu’s children.

 

#3 – A Fruitful Partnership in Uganda

In 2024, Wellspring continued to work alongside Kuwasha to support their mission to transform children’s lives and communities through education in Uganda. By providing behind-the-scenes training, mentoring, and guidance, we’re helping empower their team to bring lasting change to 21 schools in the Rakai District.

Throughout the year, Kuwasha trainers worked with teachers, equipping them to create engaging classrooms using group work and teaching aids. Through community gatherings and training sessions, parents were inspired to take an active role in their children’s education. Meanwhile, leadership development helped school leaders focus on encouraging students by valuing and supporting them wholeheartedly.

This holistic approach is making a difference. Following increased engagement between the Rakai School Development Program team, local leaders, parents, and teachers, the district saw a local school’s need and built two new classrooms. Parents also came together to build a house for teachers! With a new, energized learning environment, absenteeism is dropping, and students are thriving—proof that when communities (and like-minded organizations!) work together, extraordinary things happen.

#4 – Celebrating 20 Years of Wellspring with YOU!

In June, we marked Wellspring’s 20th anniversary with celebrations in British Columbia and Ontario. What a joy to celebrate with you as we marked two decades of impact together. These evenings honoured the past, celebrated the present, and cast a hopeful vision for the future of quality education in East Africa.

In October, our annual Lake2Lake fundraiser took on a new form. Across Canada, participants walked, ran, and biked to support education, raising an incredible $68,000! Even our team in Rwanda joined in. Staff trekked from school to school in Gasabo and Rubavu on the paths many students walk daily to access education.

 

Bonus #5 – A New Chapter for Wellspring

This year marks a new chapter for Wellspring as Libby Karangwa-Miles steps into the role of Executive Director. We’re immensely grateful for Karen McCullough, our interim leader, who guided us through this transitional season with care and dedication.

Since 2018, Libby has led Wellspring’s work in Rwanda and Uganda with vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication to children’s education. Her heart for transformative learning and deep connection to East Africa positions Wellspring for an exciting future as one dynamic global team under her leadership.

This transition also marks a pivotal moment for Wellspring—our leadership is moving to Rwanda, the heart of our work. This step brings decision-making closer to the schools and communities we serve, strengthening our commitment to locally led education and sustainable development.

 

Looking Ahead

As we step into 2025, we’re filled with anticipation for what lies ahead. Thank you for being part of this journey alongside us and the children of East Africa. Your support is helping equip children with the quality education they deserve. An education that will help them break the cycle of poverty, pursue their dreams, and become the changemakers that will build a bright future for generations to come.