Ever hear about the horrible things going on in other countries to kids your age and wonder what you can do about it? That’s exactly what Jessica Markowitz did when she heard about children in Rwanda who had lost their parents to genocide (deliberate violent crimes) and couldn’t afford to go to school.

Jessica heard about the opportunity through an aid worker who had already set up a school, Richard’s Rwanda IMPUWE (impuwe is the Rwandan word for compassion) for impoverished children. He connected her to 22 girls and Jessica formed a group at school to help. After numerous fundraisers, school drives and lot’s of determination from Jessica and her classmates, Richard’s Rwanda IMPUWE has helped those 22 girls. Jessica has visited the villages several times and spent her summer teaching Rwandan kids English.

Jessica’s hard work has paid off and she was awarded a World of Children Global Changemaker Award (think Nobel Peace Prize for youth!). The charity will be expanded to five more high schools this year as well. Jessica said, “We want to emphasize female contributions in literature and academics to show the girls in Rwanda how powerful they can be.” Jessica proves that girls can do anything they want when they set their mind to it.

To find out how you can help, visit this Richard's Rwanada. Through June 1st, all donations will be matched by a family foundation, which means you will be giving twice the amount. Have $2? Donate it and you’ll actually be giving $4.

by Liz Lebedda | 2/1/2016