Orphans of Rwanda (ORI) provides 160 motivated and talented Rwandans with the opportunity to attend university and become Rwanda’s future leaders. ORI-sponsored
student houses are where our students develop the relationships that enable them to thrive both academically and personally. One student recently said that ORI’s greatest gift to him was the chance to live with his housemates, who call each other brothers. This project will support the costs for two of our current student houses.
Activities
Fund two student houses in Kigali, thereby providing group housing for 14 Orphans of Rwanda students for one year.
Expected Outcomes
ORI’s scholarship program aims to empower Rwanda’s most talented orphans and socially vulnerable young people to become the leaders they hope to be. It is our expectation that our students will become leaders in every sphere of Rwandan society.
Project Message
"I know the ORI team well and we have built a collaboration based on the shared belief that high-quality education and health care can help Rwanda transform its future."
- Dr. Paul Farmer, Founder of Partners In Health
Project Contact
Michael Brotchner,
Executive Director
Orphans of Rwanda, Inc. 330 Seventh Ave., 21st Floor New York, New York 10001
United States
917-558-9019
Orphans of Rwanda, Inc. (ORI) is dedicated to helping orphans and other socially vulnerable young people in Rwanda pursue a university education and ultimately become leaders in fostering economic development and social reconciliation. ORI provides holistic support – including tuition, housing, health care, and supplemental training programs – to ensure that students are prepared to excel. One hundred and twenty students throughout Rwanda now attend university through ORI scholarships.
Organization's Programs
ORI promotes each student’s well-being, academic and professional success by providing housing, healthcare, a monthly living stipend, and computer & language training. Additionally, ORI launched a career development program that matches students with internships at local businesses and nonprofit organizations. The internship initiative provides students with professional skills and increases their employment opportunities.
Organization Statistics
Michael Brotchner,
Executive Director
Founded in 2004
Employees: 8
Volunteers: 6
Personnel Overview
Michael Brotchner - Executive Director
Michael is overseeing this project. Prior to joining ORI, Michael was the Director of Development for the Fund for Public Schools, which secures private funding for the New York City Department of Education's reform efforts and develops public-private partnerships. Michael holds an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, and a BA from Wesleyan University.
Charles Rukikanshuro - Country Director
Prior to joining ORI, Charles coordinated a youth and civic education program operated by GTZ, a German NGO. Charles has also worked for the Secretary General of the General Association of Students of the National University of Rwanda. He holds degrees in English linguistics and law; he is fluent in French, English, and Kinyarwanda.
