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About Us

Committed to approaching education from a global perspective, the African Education Support Foundation (AESF) partners with school sites in the nation of Rwanda and here in the United States, improving educational outcomes for students and providing unique, transformative travel experiences for our volunteers. Our foundation makes measurable improvements to school sites overseas, offers virtual tutoring to assist at-risk students at home, and hosts a one-of-a-kind study abroad program aimed at broadening the horizons of American high school students, creating true “world citizens” ready to make a difference on the global stage.

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Our “contributourism” tours of Rwanda combine volunteerism with adventure travel, providing you the experience of a lifetime while making a measurable difference in the lives of Rwandan schoolchildren. You’ll discover the complex history of this African nation and meet its incredible people. You’ll marvel at the region’s abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Most importantly, you’ll volunteer, getting to know Rwandan students and teachers, and making needed improvements to their school site. Join AESF on our next adventure!

Bridging the learning gap in America’s schools through virtual tutoring

Unable to work in Africa due to pandemic restrictions, and aware of the growing “COVID learning gap” at home, AESF applied for and was granted funding to create an elementary level tutoring program for American students. In partnership with AmeriCorps Seniors, our volunteers now provide California students in grades 3-5 with mathematics tutoring and mentorship through our state-of-the-art online program.

Changing perspectives with a study abroad program like no other

Currently postponed due to the pandemic, this first of its kind Overseas Learning Adventure program waits to welcome American high school students and teachers to Rwanda for a semester filled with new experiences, rigorous academics, and cultural exchange with Rwandan students with an emphasis on conservation and environmental science.

Fund A Project - COMING SOON

Fund A Project - COMING SOON

Our Progress

These are the kind of things we accomplish!

400+

Individual Pieces

of artwork purchased at the Mbyo reconciliation village by travelers who have joined our tours.

1000+

Books Purchased

From Books to Africa in Rwanda donated for the creation of a school library at Little Angel School. Used by both kids and adults!

10,000 ft.² +

Renewed Blackboards

By being repainted by our volunteers traveling through Rwanda.

Our Progress

AESF Founding Board Members

We are three Californians, first brought together by our commitment to serving the educational needs of Salinas, California. Over the course of numerous trips to Rwanda, we developed a deep respect and love for the schoolchildren we met during our travels. In 2016, we formed a tax-exempt nonprofit organization with the aim of responding to the needs of those students.
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Cynthia Hess, CEO
Cynthia Hess was a teacher of Mathematics and Philosophy in the Salinas Union High School District for 24 years and is still passionate about the joy of educating students. As a high school teacher she was the adviser for a club called the Math Club, a group of students who raised between $40,000 and $100,000 each year and then, together, traveled to overseas destinations as part of an educational field trip with hands-on practicality.
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Mónika Macías, CTO
Mónika Macías began her career as a teacher and then served as Principal of an elementary school in Salinas, California. She retired after fifteen as the Director of Technology & Innovation for that same school district and after thirty-two years in education. Mónika is an accomplished educator/administrator, Google-certified, CUE “Rockstar” and Chief Innovation Officer. In 2016, Mónika achieved facilitation of the first Google for Education (Google EDU) High school in Rwanda at Sonrise School in Musanze. She also donated a Chromebook laptop lab and technology expertise to the secondary school. Mónika is a Board member of the Youth Orchestra Salinas (YOSal) as well as AESF. Mónika is a student of the violin, video production, and emerging technologies. She has traveled to five continents, is an avid baker, and is a lover of international food and culture. In addition, she owns a woman-owned small business dedicated to supporting learning “Education Technology, LLC”.
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Sergio Vaca
Sergio Vaca, a former high school student of Cynthia Hess, attended Cal Poly where he graduated in Statistics. He then received a Masters degree in Biostatistics from Hayward East Bay. Sergio currently works as a Financial Analyst for Dole Fresh Vegetables in Salinas, California.

Meet The Team