Who We Are
We are a group of volunteers dedicated to fostering sustainable community development in northern Rwanda. Current directors Olivier Uwimana and Leslie Gumbrecht met in 2011 in Butare, Rwanda. Leslie was visiting the National University of Rwanda during her development work for Amahoro Project 1919. Olivier, then a NUR student, was part of a group meeting with Leslie to discuss possible partnerships between Amahoro Project 1919 and the university. Olivier traveled to Musanze with Leslie and together they have been working to support impoverished women and children in northern Rwanda.
Our current work is centered on expanding our women's sewing cooperative in Musanze, Rwanda. We have a strong and committed group of women who make bags, shawls, scarfs, and clothes for both men and women.
Leslie Gumbrecht, US Director
Olivier Uwimana, Rwandan Director
History of our Organization:
Amahoro Project 1919 was founded by Jacquie Lewis and Bruce Caplowe in 2009. The couple traveled to Rwanda to visit the famous mountain gorillas, and fell in love with Rwanda and its people. They returned from their trip determined to help impoverished children in the Musanze region, and Amahoro Project 1919 is the result of their dedication.
"Amahoro" means "peace" in Kinyarwanda, and they chose the number "1919" to honor their fathers, as 1919 was the year in which both Jacquie's and Bruce's fathers were born. Jacquie and Bruce both continue to act as advisers to our Board of Directors, and our organization is both honored and grateful for their continued support and guidance.
Board of Directors:
Amahoro Project 1919 is actively seeking board members. If you are interested in joining our board, please contact Leslie at lesliegumbrecht@gmail.com. The board meets on a monthly basis in Steamboat Springs, CO.