In 2000, the Paraclete Foundation's Sister Ann Fox had a vision to build a new private, tuition-free middle school for girls and that dream has come true. That dream was manifested in February 2008, when the Maranyundo School opened in Nyamata, Rwanda.

There are countless people from all over the US and Rwanda who have helped with this important mission. There are architects, construction managers, designers, education specialists, U.S. & Rwandan teachers, lawyers, government officials, NGO's, and loving Boston families who put countless hours and dollars into the creation of this school.

The indispensable contributors and supporters of Sister Ann's endeavor are an amazing group of women from Boston. I have traveled with these women and they truly are a special team! (Please see Bella English's article in the Boston Globe about Sister Ann and her wonderful team.)

This school is by far one of the best middle schools in Rwanda. It has taken years to create, but the result is inspiring. Women have taken on significant roles in all sectors of the nation since the genocide of 1994, and yet, enrollment of girls in school, particularly at the secondary level, lags behind that of boys. The new middle school aims to prepare girls for higher education and to develop the future female leaders of the country. Students of all faiths will be educated to be intellectually prepared and morally inspired to lead and serve with distinction.

In 2004, Thousand Hills Coffee Company was also inspired by the idea of the Maranyundo School. At that time, both Thousand Hills Coffee and the school were in their conceptual stage, but we all agreed that Thousand Hills Coffee would help on the school project on a larger scale.

Now that the school is built and Thousand Hills is becoming known throughout New England and the US, we are so excited, rejuvenated and eager to start making a bigger impact with education in Rwanda. We can only do this if we sell a lot of coffee! However, today's conscientious consumers know that you can have a great product and support a great cause. Thank you for all you do!

For more information contact paraclete@paraclete.org or visit their websites at paraclete.org & maranyundo.org