A Family Chosen by Heart
How it all began...
Five years ago, I packed my life into two suitcases and took a 24-hour journey to Rwanda with my dad. At the time, nothing in my life made sense anymore. After losing my brother, the world felt heavy and quiet in a way that is hard to explain. I was searching for purpose — for any glimpse of meaning again.
During a short visit to Rwanda a few months before that move, something changed. For the first time since my loss, I felt peace. Clarity. A pull I couldn't ignore. I knew, deep down, that I had found my place — not just a destination, but home.
Together, my dad and I decided to walk away from life as we knew it and take a chance. We fell in love with the faces, the people, and the strength of the Rwandan community. Rwanda gave me purpose when I thought I had lost it forever — a place to serve, to love, to help change lives, and in the process, to heal my own.
That is how The Abana Project was born — out of grief, hope, and a deep desire to make a difference. Today, we continue walking alongside children and families every day, creating opportunities, building community, and celebrating the bright future ahead.
Sometimes, purpose finds you when you stop searching — and simply listen.
Danni xox
The Abana Project
The Abana Project is a community-centered program serving children and teen mothers in the rural village of Gashora, Rwanda. At its core, we exist to create opportunity, stability, and hope—ensuring that both mothers and their children are supported, cared for, and given the chance to thrive.
We provide a safe and nurturing daycare for the children of teen mothers, allowing the girls to return to school and continue their education. Alongside this, our preschool serves 75 children, offering early learning in a loving and structured environment where they can grow, play, and build a strong foundation for the future.
Our sponsorship program supports each child holistically—meeting their basic needs, supporting their education, and surrounding them with consistent care and encouragement.
We run seven days a week. Each morning, children are welcomed with warm porridge before heading off to school, ensuring they begin their day nourished and ready to learn. On weekends, our program becomes a vibrant gathering space where all the children come together to share breakfast and lunch, build friendships, and simply enjoy being kids.
Weekend activities include music and art classes, tutoring, English lessons, and plenty of time for play. With games, toys, and books, children are given not only resources, but also something just as important—a safe, joyful space where they are free to learn, create, and belong.
At The Abana Project, we believe every child deserves to be seen, supported, and given the opportunity to dream.