Ally Eichenberger, a Bellevue High School junior and cross country runner, along with her sister Charlotte, a sophomore at Bellevue High, is excited to announce the planning of the 5th annual Rwanda Girls Initiative (RGI) 5k Fun Run. They have taken over the organization from former Bellevue resident, Sophie Sharp, who is now in college at Santa Clara University. 

Date: Sunday, September 10th, 2023

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: Fairweather Park in Medina

The race will follow a route that goes out onto the path on the 520 bridge and back, and everyone who wants to support RGI is encouraged to participate by running, volunteering, donating money or supplies, or simply showing up to cheer on the runners and enjoy the event. Your help and participation are greatly appreciated!

The purpose of RGI is to educate and empower girls in Rwanda, enabling them to reach their highest potential. Its founders, Suzanne “Soozi” Sinegal McGill and Shalisan “Shal” Foster recognized the significance of education in empowering women. In collaboration with the Rwandan government and the Gashora community, they established the Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology (GGAST), an upper-secondary boarding school designed to be a model for girls' education in Sub-Saharan Africa. The academy aims to cultivate inspired leaders with a love of learning and a sense of economic empowerment, ultimately strengthening their communities and fostering Rwanda's growth. The academy provides a rigorous college preparatory academic program, along with leadership training and extra-curricular activities, to instill confidence in the girls, enabling them to pursue their dreams of higher education and fulfilling vocations. The mission is to educate a girl, inspire a community, and transform a country.

This year, Ally Eichenberger's family had the opportunity to sponsor a student from the Gashora Girls Academy. After reading the student's letters and learning more about her personal experiences, Ally realized the significant impact they can make through this sponsorship. The cost to sponsor one student for a year of school is $2500, and they hope to raise $25,000 through this race. 

Ally is deeply passionate about girls' education and is enthusiastic about bringing the community together to support RGI. Come join in the fun and support this wonderful cause!