Alyssa Curran
My daughter, Alyssa, made the trip to Rwanda with our family in early 2019 when she was 10 years old. For a young girl whose idol is Jane Goodall, her time in Africa (in particular going on safari in Akagera National Park) was a dream come true. Now 13, Alyssa has already obtained a school internship to work with animals, and is interested in one day becoming a zoo veterinarian or wildlife conservationist.
She recalls her time overseas with AESF as her “favorite trip ever” and, as her parent, I cannot say enough about the importance of the cultural lessons she received in Rwanda. Cynthia Hess introduced her to the facts of the Rwandan genocide in an age-appropriate way, and she was deeply moved by the stories of reconciliation and forgiveness she heard and the incredible Rwandan children she met. It was just a wonderful family experience that none of us will ever forget. -Heather Curran
