Mike's Oct. 28th Benefit Show Featuring Annie Stela

Washington D.C., DC

About Me: Originally from Philly, I moved to DC and have been here for the last 6 years. I went to college here and am now working in HR and social media, two things that put major emphasis on constant education. I don't think the learning process ever stops, which is why I'm dedicated to furthering this cause to provide more opportunities for that learning to children in Africa. With my nights, I spend most of my time ballroom dancing, a hobby I picked up when I was in school. I head to competitions to do cha-cha, rumba, samba and jive, and I try and pass on what I've learned to the kids that go to GW, where I started my dance career. If you'd like to talk more about the project or if you'd like to say hello, please reach out - I'd love to meet fellow philanthropists!

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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