"Based on last years national exam scores, the Sonrise School is
    the top primary school in Rwanda after only four years of operations."
                             - Kigali New Times (2006)

Vision and Mission

When Bishop John Rucyahana assumed responsibility for the Shyira Diocese of northwest Rwanda in 1997, he returned home to a devastated country. The 1994 genocide and years of following violence had destroyed almost every element of society. But in the midst of all this pain, Bishop John saw hope in the children of Rwanda. He envisioned the potential of a new generation of leaders trained in excellence, service to others and the teachings of Jesus.  

Addressing Rwanda’s estimated 400,000 orphans and decimated education system, Bishop John founded the Sonrise School to be a “light on a hill” and a demonstration to everyone in Rwanda as to what is possible. The school’s mission is to set the standard for academic excellence and servant leadership, while at the same time, demonstrating that with love and education, the country’s neediest children are redeemable and can be developed into leaders. Many of the Sonrise School’s students are genocide/AIDS orphans chosen because they were the neediest children in their villages.

Sonrise Primary School

Between 1998 and 2001, over $450,000 in private donations were received, the primary school facilities were built (maximum 450 boarding/day students) and faculty and staff were recruited. On September 24, 2001, the Sonrise School began its first term with 200 students in primary grades 1 through 4. In the first months, the student transformations were dramatic:

“In the beginning they only had blank stares. Many were afraid to use toilets or to brush their teeth, simply because they had never before seen a toilet or used a toothbrush. They did not know how to wash, and most had never seen a bed, sheets or pillows. Most came to Sonrise with only what they wore, because that was all they had….Now the children are bright and sunny, with eyes that sparkle. They are clean and receiving health care. With a loving staff, new friends, nutritious meals, a comfortable bed, a regular school schedule with spiritual guidance, the transformation is already apparent.”

On February 22, 2002, the President of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul Kagame, officiated at the dedication of the Sonrise School. President Kagame expressed his admiration and gratitude for the tireless work of Bishop John Rucyahana. He commended Bishop John “not only as a leader of faith, but as an outstanding citizen and a true visionary. Indeed, thousands of Rwandans are reaping the benefit of Bishop John’s leadership”. It was a day of great joy, and those who attended the ceremony, including the four members of the USA Sonrise Team, were especially blessed.

Sonrise Student Sponsorship Program

Because the majority of the Sonrise School’s students were orphans, the Mustard Seed Project launched a student sponsorship program to fund the annual operating costs of boarding and educating each of the school’s orphaned students.

Sonrise Secondary (High School)

After its first term in 2001-2002, Bishop John knew that Sonrise was going to be successful. But the primary school’s success created a new challenge. The school had started with primary grades 1-4 with the plan of expanding by one additional grade each year. Bishop John knew that without a secondary school when the first 6th graders graduated in two years, he would have no choice but to return the orphaned students to their villages, and in some cases, back to the streets.

Fundraising for the Sonrise secondary school began in 2002, construction got underway in late 2003 and the first class of graduating 6th graders began secondary school in the new facilities in January, 2005. Like Sonrise Primary, the High School will add an additional class each year until all grades S-1 through S-6 are in operation.

In the Rwandan School System, the secondary level begins at S1 through S6 instead of Grades 7-12 as we have in the USA..

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mission of Sonrise  School?
The mission is to provide the educational, physical, health and spiritual needs of the children that God has placed in our care.

Are the Sonrise School Teachings Considered to be - Christ Centered?
Yes they are. However Sonrise is open to the "poorest of the poor" of all faiths.

Do the children have a place to worship?
On the school property, you will find St. Michael's Church. St. Michael's is for the  Sonrise students and staff, as well as local area residents.

How much does it cost to sponsor a PRIMARY child through Mustard Seed Project?
Currently, the cost of a single child sponsorship is $25 a month, or less than a dollar day.  However, because of the recent rapid rise in cost of living in Rwanda, we allow each child to have as many as three sponsors or $75 per month.
Our commitment is to make a difference in each child's life, so that they can make a difference in their community and country.

How much does it cost to sponsor a HIGH SCHOOL child through Mustard Seed Project?

The current cost of a single child sponsorship is $40 per month and like the primary students, each high school child may have as many as three sponsors.

Please Note: Because the sponsored child actually lives at the school, a portion of the child sponsorship also helps fund the operation and upkeep of the school. ie: teacher and staff salaries, utilities, etc. We invite you to participate in our child sponsorship program either by subscribing to a  partial or full sponsorship of a Sonrise Student.

Who do I make my check out to and where do I send it?
All checks are to be made out to the Mustard Seed Project with your child’s ID# in the memo.

All payments should be mailed to the following address:

Mustard Seed Project
1305 Merchant Street
Ambridge PA 15003

Is there a way to be involved in this ministry, if I cannot commit to regular sponsorship payments at this time?
Yes, we understand that not everyone can commit to monthly support of a child, and we welcome one-time or periodic gifts. Such donations can be made online or by mailing to the above addresses. For On-line gifts, please see the "How to Give" section of this web-site.

Our small group has decided to sponsor a student.  Is it ok to have multiple people to sign up for online repeating payments for a single sponsorship or to receive multiple checks for the same student?
It is absolutely fine for multiple individuals to give toward one student (e.g., sign up for repeating payments).  As with all sponsorship contributions, please make sure that everyone puts the student’s name and ID# either on the check memo or in the appropriate section in the online form.  This will help us to ensure proper tracking of funds.

How can I track my gifts?
You will receive an end of year statement reflecting all financial gifts received during that year. During the year, if you would need any information concerning your payments, contact us through this web site.

Is my sponsorship gift tax deductible?
Yes, the full amount of your financial gift to Sonrise Orphans Ministry is tax deductible. Sonrise Orphans Ministry is a ministry of the Mustard Seed Project, which is a 501-© 3 not-for-profit corporation.

When will I receive a new photograph and progress report on my sponsored child?
It is our intent to provide an updated progress report/photo to each sponsor sometime during the school year.

Why do some children have a birth date listed while others only have a birth year?
Much was lost in the genocide.  When some of the students lost their families at such a young age, they also lost a vital link to such basic information.

My student says they enjoy spending time with their family.  I thought Sonrise students were orphans?
To be “orphaned” in Rwanda is to be fatherless, as a woman is often not able to provide for her family. It also may be that the student is referring to what we might call their guardian(s).  All Sonrise students have someone in the community (possibly a member of their extended family) who cares for them when school is not in session (See Rwandan academic calendar below.)

What is the Rwandan academic calendar for 2009?

First Term:     January 12 - April 03
Holiday:          April 04 - April 19
Second Term:  April 20 - July 10
Holiday:          July 11 - August 02
Third Term:     August 03 - October 30

Primary Grade Six National Exams and S3 Exams will take place throughout November 2009

What language(s) do the students speak and understand?
Kinyarwanda is their native language, and Sonrise is an English speaking school,  many  students also speak French.

May I send a package to and correspond with my child?
On special occasions, such as Christmas, Sonrise Orphans Ministry will insure that all children receive special gifts, and you will be asked to participate. Corresponding with your child is encouraged, however mail is not always as fast or as efficient as we would want.  The students love to receive your photos.  Please do not send money.

Sonrise Primary School or Sonrise High School
Child’s Name and ID #
P O Box 154
Musanze, RWANDA

How often should I expect to hear from my student?
At this time, children do not have access to mail letters.  However, the students do participate in class letter writing projects a few times a year.  The Sonrise teams will ensure that you receive these letters.

Do the students have access to email?
At present, most students do not have regular access to email.  We hope this will change in the future as resources and technology become more available in Rwanda.