Join us at Modo Yoga Seattle on Fridays at 7:30pm for karma yoga in support of The Abari Collective, working to “empower Rwandan women through access to skill development, entrepreneurial training, and leadership development.” Throughout January your $5-$10 donations will help sustain their efforts prioritizing “partnerships with organizations committed to sustainable economic development” with the full support of community elders.

The Abari Collective began in 2006 as a school sponsorship program called Richard’s Rwanda-IMPUHWE. The organization was founded by Modo Yoga Seattle student Jessica Markowitz when she was eleven years old to support educational opportunities for girls in Rwanda in the rural village of Nyamata. Jessica’s interest developed when a Rwandan man named Richard Kananga, a representative from the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission in Rwanda, stayed with her and her family here in the USA. Richard recounted the atrocities of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda that left many children, and young girls especially, orphaned and the heads of their households. Inspired by these stories, Jessica spearheaded the launch of Richard’s Rwanda-IMPUHWE to help empower young girls of Nyamata through educational opportunities (scholarships, uniform, school fees).

Her humble efforts have gone on to establish student chapters of Richard’s Rwanda – IMPUHWE in several middle and high schools across the United States. Since 2006, the organization has enabled primary and secondary school scholarships for over 100 girls. In 2017, the organization shifted into a new initiative called The Abari Collective supporting employment and skill-building opportunities for these young women upon finishing their secondary school education. With vocational training and supplementary educational programs, The Abari Collective advances the vision of Richard’s Rwanda-IMPUHWE by empowering young Rwandan women through economic independence and financial stability.

This charity was nominated to receive karma support by one of our members. Do you have a charity you’d like to nominate, maybe even one you volunteer your time for? Let us know!