Hi everyone, We are a group of 60 students from Virginia Tech participating in a semester long study abroad program about creating sustainable social change. Our first weeks are spent taking classes on international development and social change in Switzerland. In November, we will travel to Rwanda or Ethiopia to participate in experiential learning projects with non-profit organizations. This year, we are highlighting our partner organization OPDE Rwanda. OPDE, located in Huye, Rwanda, provides support for children facing abandonment with programs to combat malnutrition, improve child literacy, and ensure protection of children against all forms of neglect, cruelty, exploitation, sexual abuse, and discrimination. For more information on the programs they provide, please visit their website, www.opderwanda.org. On October 24, our study abroad group will be participating in a Talent Show, Hokies for Huye, to raise funds for OPDE. We’ve set a funding goal of $5,000 to support OPDE's work. There are currently 18 acts for the talent show, but only the 10 acts that raise the most money will perform on the day of the event! For my act my room and I will be preforming as a heavy metal rock air band! A sight you definitely don’t want to miss, think Kiss meets One Direction, yes I know, epic! We will be bringing the house down for a amazing organization. All the winning acts will be recorded and posted to the Linking Lives Instagram. Please consider donating! We would love to perform and support such an amazing organization! Any contribution is appreciated! Thank you for your interest and support!
