FACEAIDS BACK TO SCHOOL PROJECT

Denton, TX

About Me: My name is Ashley Kendall, I am a recent graduate of Texas Woman's University with a Bachelor's of Science in Sociology in May 2009. I am a former President of FaceAIDS-TWU CHAPTER. I have a special place in my heart for being socially active especially in the areas of HIV/AIDS and poverty. My hobbies include volunteering, photography, reading and watching documentaries. In 1998 i had a personal experience with the devastation the HIV/AIDS virus could cause when my cousin died from it and ever since then I have become highly interested in the disease, the history of it and how to keep others from suffering from this whether directly or indirectly. i have also learned that just because an individual has contracted the virus does not automatically mean that they are going to die. helping patients find resources imperative to their survival has become a mission of mine. So when the opportunity came for me to become a citizen-effect philanthropist and help raise funds for the children infected with HIV/AIDS to go to school, I immediately became interested and made it my mission to help these children reach their full potential. And I am looking for other individuals to join me in this effort. if everyone who gets involved with this project with me can donate something, i have pure faith that we can send atleast 1 child to school. DON'T JUST ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM...BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION ONE LOVE!

The majority of youth in the Kirehe and Kayonza districts of Eastern Province, Rwanda, live in extreme poverty and are not able to enjoy their right to an education. The most vulnerable youth are those that are HIV-affected, a large portion of whom are orphans. They have the greatest chance of not receiving secondary schooling or proper HIV treatment. In Rwanda, primary schooling is free but secondary schooling is not. The cost to attend secondary for a year averages out to around $250. As the average GNI per capita is $410, the majority of HIV-affected children are unable to afford secondary schooling and are forced to drop out. The FACE AIDS Back to School Campaign aims to raise funds to send HIV-affected Rwandan youth to secondary school. All funds raised through the campaign are granted out through the Partners In Health School Fees Program in Rwanda, which supports students who are infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS by providing them with tuition for secondary school and, in some cases, other school-related costs. The Back to School Campaign has the potential to help up to 656 students attend secondary school in Rwanda. Every dollar that we raise ensures that a Rwandan student can continue their education. By joining the campaign, you are standing in solidarity with HIV-affected students in Rwanda, ensuring that they can enjoy the same right to an education as you do.

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