Irakoze Rene lives in a part of Kigali, Rwanda called Muyumbu. He is the eldest of six children born to his parents, Laurien and Florence. Laurien (born in 1981) completed primary school when he was young, but was not able to continue his education after that. Florence (born in 1988) never completed primary school. Florence’s father was in prison when she was young, so there was no one who could pay for her school fees. Laurien and Florence want their children to receive the education opportunities they did not have so they can be better equipped to face challenges in their lives. Their six children are: Irakoze Rene, Iradukunda Honolin, Izere Bowazi, Iranejeje Honoline, Iturize Cyiza Chance, and Iturimbere Fred.

Irakoze Rene was born on November 14, 2011. As of August 2026, Rene is currently joining 7th grade. His favorite subjects to study in school are Kinyarwandan–his native language–and Social Studies. Once he gets to high school he is excited to study anything that has to do with mechanics, as he dreams of becoming a mechanic someday. Rene knows working as a mechanic would guarantee him an income. In his free time, Rene loves to play soccer. His parents say he loves people and is a very respectful and social young man.

Rene’s dad is currently the sole breadwinner for their precious family of eight. Laurien has been working as a home builder for about ten years. He is only called when there is a job available, so it is not a permanent position or a very reliable income. Florence stays home with her children but sometimes plants crops to feed her family if a friend or relative offers her a piece of land to use for a garden.

They’ve been living in a two bedroom apartment behind their church since July of 2024. Their church offered them the space when they heard about their situation and that they had been moving from place to place. They used to live up-country but life there was not good, so their hearts’ desire is to stay in their current neighborhood.

Rene’s parents struggle to provide for their children, and desperately desire them to be in school, receiving opportunities that some can only dream about. As these parents raise their children with the wisdom and understanding that comes from the Lord, please consider coming alongside them in their desire to see Rene receive a proper formal education.