NEW WEBSITE

Please visit our new website and blog at www.akilahinstitute.org

Meet the Architecture for Humanity team: Vrunda Vaghela

“Working with Architecture for Humanity (AfH) and the Akilah Institute has brought to life the reason I became an architect. The built environment shapes each of our lives. Each community has their unique character and needs, and it is especially important to address needs in communities where resources are scarce.

When I moved from Mississippi to Washington, DC, I immediately sought out to work with the local chapter of AfH, knowing that their projects address these specific needs in under resourced communities. Furthermore, I strongly believe that everyone has the right to proper shelter and education. When our AFH chapter was approached by the Akilah Institute to provide design services for a project which addresses both of these subjects in beautiful Rwanda, we immediately jumped on board.

Our team is committed to designing an environment that is not only safe and healthy, but an environment where students can be inspired. By implementing designs that are innovative and sustainable, we can truly empower this great community of young women. I am in awe by the power of this project and amazed by the drive, commitment, and compassion of each person involved. I am grateful to be part of such an amazing and inspiring team.”
-Vrunda Vaghela
Architecture for Humanity D.C.

Meet the Architecture for Humanity team: Michelle Bove

“After receiving my Master’s Degree I was searching for my place in the world of architecture. When I first decided to work with AfHdc I thought I would just meet some new people and participate with some volunteer work. I had no idea the impact that this organization would have on my life.

Last summer our team began work with the Akilah Institute. With this project the team has been able to hit all fronts of our collective ideals which include sustainable design, cultural and social empowerment, and the creation of a beautiful, safe and inspiring campus. The enormous amount of energy and heart that the Akilah Institute’s team has brought to this project is indescribable. Everyday I am encouraged to provide the women of Rwanda with an institution that will both support and aid them in their lives.”

-Michelle Bove

Architecture for Humanity

Akilah is Hiring a Program Director

The Akilah Institute needs to fill two critical positions: Program Director and Operations Manager.

Help us spread this information to find the best possible candidates.

Please read the detailed job description for the Program Director by clicking on the link below.

Akilah Is Hiring An Operations Manager

The Akilah Institute needs to fill two critical positions: Program Director and Operations Manager.

Help us spread this information to find the best possible candidates.

Please read the detailed job description for the Operations Manager by clicking on the link below.

Lights, Camera, Action

It can be difficult to explain the beauty of the Akilah site to those who haven’t been here. How do you describe the towering trees, cool breeze from the lake, and the sense of mystery that cloaks this old school?

We decided to capture these scenes in a short video that will soon be on our website and shown at our U.S. events in the fall. Although it doesn’t compare to walking around the site yourself, you will still get a glimpse of the majestic beauty of Bugesera district.

Even more importantly, the video will explain the critical need for education for women in Rwanda. Interviews with young women at Nyamata High School (a neighboring school in Bugesera district), officials from the Ministry of Education, and private sector leaders will give insight as to the impact that Akilah will have in Rwanda.

The extraordinary team at the Rwanda Cinema Center is helping us put this together.

Enjoying my role as director as we film interviews at the Rwanda Cinema Center

Filming an interview with Didier Munezero from the Workforce Development Authority (WDA)

Luanne in Kigali

Luanne Ferguson, a dear friend from Tampa, Florida, is in the midst of her African adventure: traveling through Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. We were so excited to see her during her time in Rwanda. Luanne and I first met when she attended an event that I organized at Studio 620 in St. Petersburg, Florida in 2008 (which was graciously hosted by Peter Kageyama at Creative Cities Productions). She saw a notice in the paper about a Rwanda event and decided to attend since her son, Zach, wrote his masters thesis on the Rwandan genocide. We met and quickly discovered that her daughter is married to a high school classmate of mine (small world!). We were thrilled that she finally made the trek over to Africa. She is now off on safari in Kenya!

Luanne Ferguson and Elizabeth at the Akilah campus

We had a full day together: tour of the Akilah campus and Fantas on Lake Gashora.

August 21

The summer months have just flown by and the Akilah vision continues to develop and evolve with a rapidly expanding team of supporters and dedicated volunteers. I spent May and June in the United States to meet with donors and host fundraising events in Tampa and New York City. In July and August, we hosted a number of visitors here in Kigali, made critical decisions about our curriculum, content, and teachers, and finalized our plans for the the 2010 school year. I will be returning to the U.S. in a few weeks time to turn my attention back to fundraising and development. We will be sending out a comprehensive update this coming week- and celebrate the launch of our new website!

Meet our Board: Laura Heaton

The Rwandan genocide was a tragedy I only first learned about in college… which shocked me. 800,000 people died while the U.S. had debated whether “acts of genocide” were happening in Rwanda. I was incensed and impassioned, and I decided to focus my studies on human rights. Looking back now, so much of my life today is influenced by my immediate fascination with the tiny country in Central Africa. The moment I arrived in Kigali for the first time in 2006 – flying in low over the gorgeous green hills and brick red roads – is still a very vivid memory. Elizabeth and I actually met at the airport, neither of us ever imagining how influential that summer would be. Those first experiences convinced me that I would have a long commitment to Rwanda. Now, through my work with the Akilah Institute and strong relationships with this team, I’m certain Rwanda will be a place I return to for the rest of my life.

-Laura Heaton

Board of Directors

June 10 in New York City

My friends Bruce and Prudence Lev, Theresa Havell Carter, and Jim Carter are co-hosting a cocktail party fundraiser for us on June 10 in New York City. Please RSVP if you are interested in attending! Email me at Elizabeth@ProjectAkilah.org