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** Reflections from Rwanda
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Dear John

In July this year, Ann Leslie from St Mark’s Anglican Berowra, joined one of our short-term missions to Rwanda. During her time there, she witnessed God’s work through African Enterprise, encountering both deep suffering and hardship, but also the power of His saving grace and the tangible impact of AE’s projects in action.


** Ann’s Story
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Early in July, it was my great privilege to travel to Rwanda to spend time with the staff at AE Rwanda and visit some of their projects. During my time there, I witnessed the impact their work has had on the lives of poorer communities. I visited women’s support groups, early childcare centres, primary schools, farming projects, business training projects and the Centre for Champions.

It was so encouraging to hear how AE projects have empowered the women involved. They shared how they’ve discovered their self-worth in Christ, found community in women’s groups, launched their own businesses, found peace in their marriages and gained the ability to support their families financially.

In the early childhood centres and schools, I heard stories about the impact these services have had on the wider community. When children attend these centres, their parents can work and the children have access to food. The schools, AE and the families work in partnership to grow kitchen gardens and try to support families that can’t afford uniforms or to pay for the school contributions.

While these were all encouraging experiences, it was still very difficult to learn how those outside of the AE projects are still struggling. The truth is, if children are not in early childcare or school, they are left alone in the community while their parents seek work. These children are left vulnerable to significant child abuse. When I asked why this would happen in a country where family is valued, the answer I received was witchcraft. I was told the witchdoctors tell their clients to commit horrific acts, that I won’t repeat here, to break curses. This was utterly heart-breaking and demonstrates the urgent need to share the gospel further in Rwanda.

Health and hygiene improvements are still a desperate need for many in isolated communities. Many villages do not even have access to pit toilets. It was a humbling experience to be shown a woman’s new pit toilet. One woman, a member of a local community club, shared how they had learned about hygiene through AE project leaders. She proudly explained that their community now has pit toilets, wash buckets, and the skills to make their own soap.

Plans were underway to expand this project into other communities, but they were halted when USAID funding ended. Our team left feeling deeply disheartened, knowing that so many remain without access to basic hygiene education. It's hard to believe that in 2025, this is still a reality.

At every project I visited, the impact of USAID funding cuts was clear, creating a ripple effect that has deeply affected both individuals and their communities. While there are signs of progress, many still need support, and resources remain stretched.


** “When you empower a woman, you empower her whole family”
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However, those who I spoke to expressed their gratitude to AE and its supporters, and they asked me to share this with all of you when I returned. It was particularly wonderful to see the joy expressed by the students who received education scholarships at the Centre for Champions. These students expressed their deep gratitude and plan to further their education at university. The centre is mentoring them to be Christ-filled, respectful and joyous young adults. It was a wonderful time there.

When asked what my big takeaway from the experience was, I can say that when you empower a woman, you empower her whole family. The pride that was written over the women’s faces when they told me that their families are now thriving, was heart-warming. Please be assured that your support is having a significant impact, and I encourage you to continue to support the amazing work of African Enterprise.

Ann Leslie, July 2025
Donate to Women’s Projects ([link removed])
Donate to Centre for Champions ([link removed])

If you would like to hear more about Ann’s time in Rwanda, you can watch her YouTube videos: @AnninAfrica ([link removed])
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