ICTworks

The Maranyundo Initiative was born in 2000,
with a meeting of Sister Ann Fox and Senator Aloisea Inyumba.
The two were attending a Women Waging Peace Conference held at Harvard
University. Sister Ann Fox is the founder of the Paraclete Foundation
in South Boston, whose mission is to enrich young lives through
education. Senator Inyumba was then serving as the Governor of the
Nyamata region of Rwanda.

Senator Inyumba spoke passionately about the importance of educating
girls and found an ally in Sister Ann.  They dreamed of a beautiful
school for girls in Nyamata, a poor area of Rwanda with limited
educational opportunities beyond primary school.  From this dream, The
Maranyundo Initiative was born although at the time neither woman knew
this would be its name or how it would become a reality.

Senator Inyumba secured the land for the school while Sister Ann began
taking groups of Americans interested in international development to
Rwanda. Personal relationships and friendships were formed creating a
unique partnership based on mutual respect and a shared vision and
optimism for a stronger and smarter Rwanda.  Monies were raised, a tree
planting ceremony kicked off the construction and beautiful buildings
started to appear at the base of Maranyundo Hill. 

What was once a dream is now a reality. The Maranyundo School opened in
February of 2008 with an initial enrollment of 60 girls.  In January,
2010 it accepted its third class and is now at full capacity of 180
students.  It serves as a school of excellence, offering a rigorous
program of study to students and a unique, school-based teacher
enrichment program to faculty.