For children living in poverty, education is often their best chance at a brighter future. But too many lack the education toolkit they need to stay in school—things like food, stability, a uniform, or someone to advocate for them when life gets hard.

That was true for David.

By the time he was ten, David had dropped out of school.

Orphaned at a young age, he was living in a rural Rwandan village with his older sister, doing their best to survive alone. Without food, school supplies, or even a pair of shoes, David left the classroom behind to work for their survival.

But someone noticed.

A Community That Refused to Give Up

When Faustin, a Wellspring-trained Family Coach, visited the area, he noticed David was missing from class and decided to follow up.

“I came across David through the training we received on following up with children who dropped out of school,” Faustin shared. “What I learned made me feel accountable. I ensured that he returned to school and received what he needed to continue his studies.”

Faustin listened to David’s story—his struggles, his hunger, and the simple but devastating lack of access to what he needed to learn. Then he acted. He brought David a uniform, a pair of shoes, and walked with him back to the school.

But Faustin didn’t act alone.

David’s Head Teacher stepped in to provide school supplies and ensure ongoing support. His classroom teacher welcomed him back. School meals gave him the strength to concentrate. And neighbours began checking in to make sure he didn’t fall behind again.

“When I first heard about David’s situation, I took it upon myself to ensure it was handled properly,” said David’s Head Teacher. “We’re now reaching out to his other family members, teaching them about the importance of education and why David needs their full support.”

Each act may seem small—but together, they formed a powerful system of support that made David’s return to school possible.

What’s in an Education Toolkit?

Quality education doesn’t start and end with books and desks. It’s shaped by the ecosystem that surrounds a child—the people who believe in their potential and the tools that help them grow.

For David, that education toolkit included:

• Practical tools like a uniform, shoes, and school meals that helped him return to the classroom with dignity.

• Relational tools like a Head Teacher and Family Coach who listened, noticed, and acted.

• Emotional tools like encouragement, care, and the confidence that comes from being seen and supported.

• Community tools like neighbours and school leaders who ensured no child fell through the cracks.

When these tools work together, education becomes a force of transformation—lifting children out of poverty, opening doors of opportunity, and helping them discover their full God-given potential.

The Path Forward

David is back in school now, showing up for himself and his future.

“Now I don’t have to worry about him being on the streets,” said his older sister, Alice. “I want him to study hard, be intelligent, and hopefully become a teacher.”

There’s more work to be done. Wellspring’s team is continuing to walk alongside David’s school and community to help build the long-term stability he needs to thrive. Real change doesn’t happen overnight—but with the right tools in place, hope takes root and transformation begins.

And it starts when someone shows up, listens, and says: your education matters.

As Faustin said: “Turere Abana [Wellspring’s community program] came just in time. People were talking about bringing students back to school, but those were just words. This program made it possible and put it into action.”

This change is possible thanks to the generosity of people like you! You can help build the education toolkit that every child deserves, one that turns today’s students into tomorrow’s changemakers.