OUR STORY

A Commitment Born of Survival

Our foundation is rooted in the life of our founder, Theoneste Ndagijimana (Theo). The mission to build hope in Shango began during the darkest time in our nation’s history-the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. As a child, Theo survived an imaginable horror, including seeing his father

slaughtered, and losing his mother and six siblings. Harerimana, a sister that followed him , died from the fear and trauma of watching the deadliest bloody night, and miscarried her baby that came out like a stone of blood.

He carried an unforgettable conviction from that time:

“I do not want people around me to starve"

Theo’s life was later saved and sustained by the extraordinary kindness of strangers-different families who opened their homes, and others who covered his school fees and medical bills. He believes his best way to live is by paying forward the generosity and care he received, ensuring vulnerable children have access to education, love, and opportunity.

"I do not want people around me to starve."

The Turning Point: Finding Faith and Purpose

Why Shango, Rwanda?

The choice of Shango, a dedicated farming community, is deeply personal to Theo. During the darkest days of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, his life was saved while he was lost on a coffee plantation.

This trauma became, decades later, the birth of his purpose, leading him to return to the community whose lives revolve around farming.

This connection is vital: the children we serve are from families who rely on small and subsistence farming or manual labor to be able to afford just one small meal for the day.

This commitment to the community is reflected in our operations, where we ensure the fresh produce grown locally is utilized in our feeding program, directly connecting the farmer's labor to the child's essential nutrition.

The Academy’s operational success is built upon Theo's vision and promise to serve, supported by our dedicated local staff of teachers, a cook, and security personnel.

Theo’s path found its direction when, by what he calls God’s grace, he was chosen to attend a church-run orphanage after the Genocide. This was a sanctuary that changed everything. There, he devoted himself to learning, serving in the choir, and taking on leadership roles, fueling a singular dream: to study in the U.S. and return home to serve.

Years later, through a visiting family from Wingate University in North Carolina, the door opened. Despite having never taken a flight or sat for international entrance exams before, Theo secured a scholarship and visa. Before leaving Rwanda, he made a solemn promise to himself:

"When I finish my studies, I will return and serve."

Partnership Rooted in Stability

A Commitment Born of Survival

Theo carried his commitment for years—promising to return and serve—until 2024, when that vision became reality. This mission started with pure faith, connecting with trusted partners in Jacksonville, Florida.The long-term stability and integrity of the Academy rest on our dedicated U.S. partnership.

Our foundational partner is Kim's Open Door (kimsopendoor.com), which ensures all governance, financial security, and transparent oversight are handled with integrity.

This partnership creates a vital bridge, connecting the generosity of the U.S. community directly to the immediate needs of the children in Shango.

While our mission is sustained primarily through the generosity of our monthly partners, we are also grateful for the sustainable support from the Ubumwe Coffee brand, which contributes vital operational funding.