10k Balmoral fundraising run: Mr Ajish Varghese had a double joy on Saturday 25th as his wife gave birth to a healthy baby boy and he completed the 10k, raising £291 to date on behalf of RSVP. So congratulations all round to the happiest man on the Balmoral run.

Donors’ lunch on 11 Apr 2009: RSVP supporters met together in Aberdeen to discuss our progress so far. The feedback was very helpful and will be discussed at the AGM on May 30th. Thanks to those who gave up a Saturday afternoon to provide invaluable feedback.

Independent inspection report: Secondary school starter packs to be introduced and funding for desks sought as a result of the inspection report produced by Pastor Emmanuel.

New books arrived: In March the school received the support books provided by RSVP but the text books that the government are providing did not arrive in the first term. However we have had news that they have arrived at the school in time for the second term. We are now just waiting to hear confirmation that these cover all subjects and the ratio of books to children.

National primary school test for 2009: The Rwandan government have announced that there will be national primary school tests in 2009 after all. As yet we don’t know what language the test will be in or what it means to those who pass or fail.

Click here to read Janice’ full report on what has been happening in April 2009.

The Rwandan team met with teachers and parents to select two bursary students for 2009.  Solange, who features in the RSVP video, having already been awarded a bursary.  The selection proved to be very challenging.  The group agreed that six families were in need of help but finally agreed on the two families in most desperate need.  Sponsors have been provided with the details of the children they have agreed to sponsor.
We believe that all the children have gone back to school for the 2nd term, but are awaiting confirmation that the four children who were identified as in need of help have made it.  RSVP trustees have discussed the situation and have agreed to seek additional sponsors for the four children.  For 2009, only £30 is needed for the 3rd term as parents will have paid the 2nd term fees.  Going forward the commitment is £85 -£115 per annum for the next five years.  The exact cost is dependent on the school.  If you would be willing to sponsor one of these children please contact our treasurer Drew on drew@rsvpcharity.org.co.uk or call him (after 6 p.m.) on 01224 483 644.

Cleversquirrel’s innovative fundraising scheme is set to raise millions for charity
Cleversquirrel has discovered a source of money worth many millions.  Cleversquirrel unearths it and converts it into charitable donations.  People who join Cleversquirrel don’t give any new money.  They simply nominate their favourite charity to receive a share of the donations.
Hidden within many investment, pension and insurance policies are charges that can be claimed by an advisor.  If you don’t have an advisor for your policy, then you’re paying for something and getting nothing.  Your money stays with the provider and cannot be cancelled or refunded.
Cleversquirrel is registered with the Financial Services Authority.  It reclaims these charges and converts them into charitable donations.  Charities Trust manages the donations, distributing them to the relevant charities.
Go to www.cleversquirrel.com and watch the two minute movie.  Then sign up as an individual, nominate the Rwandan School Village Project and list your policies.