World Dance for Humanity: A Movement Changing Lives

🌍 World Dance for Humanity: A Movement Changing Lives 🌍

At World Dance for Humanity (WD4H), they connect communities across the globe through the transformative power of movement—and deliver real support where it matters most. With every dance class and every generous donation, they bring hope and sustainable change to underserved communities, both locally and in developing countries like Rwanda.

WD4H, with the recent P&G Alumni Foundation Grant, is not just funding programs—it is changing lives.

🌟 Meet Our P&G Champion: Betsy Stivers

A cornerstone of this impact is Betsy Stivers, a dedicated P&G alumna whose deep belief in opportunity, education, and human dignity shines through her tireless commitment to WD4H. Betsy has been a long-time sponsor of students in Rwanda, most notably supporting Jovy Kakwezi through his high school and college education. Her involvement has extended far beyond financial support—she has been a mentor, advocate, and voice for the underserved. Through Betsy’s sponsorship and partnership, WD4H has been able to nurture future leaders and strengthen the local cooperative ecosystem. Her example shows how one person’s generosity and leadership can ripple across communities and generations.

💡 From Trauma to Triumph: Odette’s Story

Odette, a genocide survivor and mother of three, once lived with unimaginable pain and poverty. She lost family members—and her arm—during the Rwandan genocide. “I was that mother who would spend the whole day moving from house to house begging for food,” she recalls.

Everything changed when she joined the Abishyizehamwe Cooperative, a bakery business launched with P&G Alumni Foundation support. The co-op gave her a renewed sense of purpose, dignity, and a source of income. “Now, I’m not begging—I’m sharing food with others. I bought a piece of land. I even got a prosthesis. My life is full of meaning again.” 

“Thanks to your help, I am not who I was. I am who I am meant to be.” – Odette

🚴‍♂️ From Student to Leader: Jovy’s Journey

Meet Jovy Kakwezi, a former sponsored student who is now our Business Coordinator in Rwanda. After receiving high school and college support from donor Betsy Stiver, Jovy has become a powerful force in the co-ops.

“I never knew I could manage businesses, but now I’m confident. My income supports me and my siblings. This job has given me peace, purpose, and pride,” Jovy says. With his leadership, our co-op businesses are growing stronger every day.

🎁 Your Generosity at Work

Here are examples of how the P&G Alumni Foundation Grant is making a life-changing difference:

• 📘 $40 – Textbook for a student
• 🐐 $70 – Goat for a family
• 🚲 $150 – Bicycle for a business
• 🎓 $450 – One year of high school education
• 🐄 $1,000 – Cow for a cooperative

Each contribution supports the multi-pillar approach: education, livestock, healthcare, leadership training, and business startups.

📊 Grant Results: Measurable & Meaningful

WD4H has launched 10 businesses and 3 improvement projects through past P&G grants. With oversight from our Business Committee and newly appointed Coordinator, Jovy, we now monitor 18 businesses. Each one reports key results, showing consistent revenue and increasing co-op member confidence.

🌱 Looking Ahead

In 2025, we’re seeking renewed support to:

• Expand Business Training
• Fund our Business Coordinator role
• Support 4 new business students
• Scale the reach and sustainability of our cooperatives

As one of our team members said, “We are not just helping people survive. We are helping them thrive.”