The journey began around 9:30 AM from Nyabugogo, with stops along the way, including Remera, where they picked up additional members before arriving in Masaka at exactly 1:00 PM.

Upon arrival, they were welcomed by children singing joyful songs to receive the guests. The event’s emcee, one of the English teachers at the school, said: “As we informed you, today we’re gathered here with the children and their parents. I’m happy to welcome you all.”

The children responded in the customary manner for a school affiliated with the Catholic Church: “Friends of Jesus and Mary, we trust in the Living God.” They also recited their school motto in English: “We are here, we are here to choose our good future. One pen, one book, one laptop, one chalk, one teacher, change the world.”

The school head-teacher explained that the school is named after Saint John Paul and is a public institution that collaborates with the Catholic Church under a partnership. He thanked Power of the Cross Ministries for their previous support in 2024, which enabled students to study effectively by providing supplies and school meals.

The children showcased their talents through traditional dances and songs while dressed in cultural attire, followed by modern dance performances. A young girl named Neira, a second-grade student, stood out in the dance competition and was awarded a special prize for her outstanding performance.

At 2:00 PM, a football match kicked off between students from Primary Six, concluding around 3:30 PM. This was followed by a ceremony to reward the children who had entertained the guests with dances and football skills. Neira was once again recognized for her talents, expressing her dream of becoming a professional dancer in the future.

Later, 100 children from grades one to six were awarded school materials, each receiving 12 notebooks, 3 pens, a ruler, and school meal fees for the upcoming 2025–2026 academic year beginning in September 2025.

The guests, children, and parents shared a communal meal that included brochettes, potatoes, and soft drinks (Fanta), ensuring everyone had something to eat. After the meal, Philemon, a member of Power of the Cross Ministries, delivered a talk to the parents on holistic education. He focused on three key areas:

• Physical upbringing (nutrition, hygiene, rest)
• Spiritual upbringing (love and reverence for God)
• Emotional and intellectual development (emotions, self-confidence, distinguishing right from wrong)

All rooted in love as commanded by the Bible. He reminded children that long life and success require obedience to their parents (Ephesians 6:1–4).

Maurice Ndatabaye, Executive Director of Power of the Cross Ministries, shared his personal testimony about being supported during a difficult period in his youth, which enabled him to complete his education up to a Master’s degree. He emphasized that had it not been for that support, he might not have reached such heights, one of the reasons he is passionate about helping children in need.

He encouraged those who had not yet received Christ to do so, affirming that salvation is foundational to a child’s spiritual development. He also commended the school leadership for initiating the idea of naming a classroom in honor of Power of the Cross Ministries.

Joe, an American who joined the team in Rwanda for various activities, expressed his appreciation for the children’s performances and praised the richness of Rwandan culture.
The day concluded at around 5:30 PM, with attendees returning home filled with joy and gratitude for the children’s enthusiasm and the generous distribution of school materials.

In an exclusive interview with Paradise, EP Cyeru’s Head-teacher, Mr. Nyirigira Nikola, explained that they first became aware of the ministry in 2024 when it began supporting underprivileged children. This year, the ministry continued by helping 100 children with school supplies and meal fees.

“These are the same children who were supported last year, now continuing into the new school year. They were initially selected from grades one to four, chosen based on their families’ low income and inability to afford the school contributions,” he said.

He added that although many children have talents, the school lacks specific training in arts outside of optional extracurricular clubs where such abilities can be nurtured.

A parent representative explained that the 100 supported children came from 90 families, some with more than one child, and thanked the ministry for its love-driven action, hoping it would continue in the future.

The Power of the Cross Ministries leader added that even after moving to the U.S., he retained a deep sense of responsibility to continue helping children, just as he had done while in Rwanda. He met Joe, the American visitor, during a Christian workshop and shared his vision for helping Rwandan children, Joe embraced the idea and came to see the impact for himself.

Maurice stated that the costs involved were significant, covering school materials, meals, and transportation—but that their goal isn’t financial figures, but life transformation. While confirming that the expenses exceeded one million Rwandan francs, he chose not to dwell on the figures, saying they weren’t the main point.

He noted that Power of the Cross Ministries currently has around 50 members and aims to expand its activities sustainably.

They are in the final stages of preparing for a concert to be held on July 20, 2025, at Four Square Church in Kimironko. Entry will be free, and the choir will perform songs like “Super Power,” “Isezerano,” “Umwami Naganze,” and more.

In conclusion, Joe, Maurice’s friend, said he was deeply impressed by the children’s joy and the support they received. He noted that in his country, he had never seen a place like Cyeru, highlighting how parents sacrificed their time to accompany and support their children even on weekends.

He remarked: “What has impressed me the most? Oh, just how the families are coming together and supporting their children. And giving their extra time, like coming on the weekend, outside of their school time. It’s a dedication that shows that education is important.”

This initiative aimed to express love, offer support, and promote quality education among Rwanda’s young generation, with the goal of building a brighter future through meaningful learning.

This took place just two days after Maurice and Joe arrived at Kigali International Airport, as they landed on Friday, July 4, 2025, following two and a half years during which Maurice had been living in the United States, in Washington, D.C.

Power of the Cross Ministries, together with Joe, provided school supplies and lunch fees for one hundred children for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Members of the ministry performed their popular song "Umwami Naganze," entertaining those in attendance.

The children spent 40 minutes playing a football match as a way to socialize and entertain the guests.