THE JONATHAN FOUNDATION
Because Education Changes Lives
Our Story
In 2021, a father and daughter came to Rwanda after experiencing a profound family tragedy. In search of healing, purpose, and hope, their journey became one of compassion, service, and a renewed commitment to creating opportunities for others.
Moved by the poverty they witnessed and inspired by the children’s desire to learn, Ody and Danni decided to dedicate their lives to making a long-term impact on primary and secondary education in Rwanda. This is the Jonathan Foundation.
Five years on from its start, the Foundation has changed the lives of the students at GS Dihiro public school in Gashora, providing clean water, electricity, internet, and inclusive learning resources and aiding over 2000 students with full tuition grants. The Foundation also runs medical and disability support programs for GS Dihiro and has opened a nursery school. While continuing these activities into the future, the Foundation is breaking new ground, with the Abana Project as a support base for the youngest, most vulnerable members of the Gashora community and the Jonathan Academy of Science as a modern center of secondary learning for future science leaders from all over Rwanda.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a stable and nurturing learning environment where every student can reach their full academic potential and develop the skills needed to shape a brighter future.
Why Rwanda?
CHALLENGING ECONOMY
Rwanda is one of the poorest countries in the world with $797 GDP per Capita in 2020.
GETTING BETTER
Rwanda suffered a major genocide against Tutsi in 1994. The country managed to heal but still needs help.
LOCAL ETHICS
Rwanda is a safe country with good people. The police and government are not corrupted.
LOCAL SUPPORT
The local authorities and people of Rwanda accept, support and appreciate foreign initiatives.
Investment in Academy renovation
Re-build Academy Infrastructure
The Jonathan Foundation has already started an ambitious renovation and extension project of the Groupe Scolaire Dihiro Academy in Bugesera, a district of Eastern province Rwanda.
Understanding that a successful Academy needs the fundamentals in place for children to thrive, the Foundation has installed STARLINK internet by Elon Musk, built a kitchen and two dining rooms, introduced fresh running water and now gives each child in attendance a wholesome lunch, five days a week.
With fully installed electricity, pupils are able to undertake further studies at the end of the Academy day and do their homework in a safe, well lit and comfortable environment conducive to learning.
Our Challenges
FRESH WATER
Most water are not safe to drink. In our Academy we provide clean water to our children.
DAILY HOT MEAL
We fund and provide hot and nutricious meals 5 days a week. This is the only meal for some of the children.
EDUCATION
We provide our students learning materials, notebooks, pens, pencils and books to learn from.
TEACHERS
THIS IS WHERE WE NEED THE HELP OF VOLUNTEERS! If you are a teacher, our school really needs your help.
Teacher? Come and volunteer!
The Foundation focuses on developing the teaching skills required to deliver the national curriculum of Rwanda to the highest standards possible, increasing the number of students who pass their annual exams and continue to the next stage of their education.
The students of the Groupe Scolaire Dihiro Academy are bright, committed and eager to learn. The Foundation is inviting teachers and educational professionals from all over the world to volunteer their experience and enthusiasm on behalf of our students and our team of teachers.
We’ll only get there with the support of our worldwide community. Join us on our journey.
Enjoy a powerful and empowering experience
Contact us
And help us save and improve lives!
