What began in 2023 as a small idea has grown into a nonprofit that, by 2025, empowered dozens of women, educated hundreds of students, and donated 3,600 notebooks and 34 sheep. BYU-Idaho students Isaac Nkurunziza, a mechanical engineering major, and Hunter Hastings, a psychology major, are the driving force behind this initiative.

Dream Nziza is a student-led nonprofit organization that aims to help Rwandans achieve their goals and dreams through education, communication and healthy relationships.

Hastings, project manager of Dream Nziza said, “Basically, our goal is to make it so that people can chase their dreams.”

Hastings explained that while the growth of the nonprofit has been slow, the organization has been raising awareness for volunteers both in America and in Rwanda to help teach English to elementary school students.

Other service opportunities include assisting with community workshops that teach communication and goal-setting, as well as providing books, supplies and other educational support for families.

Some long-term goals of Dream Nziza include building a learning center filled with English language books.

”They don’t have any libraries, no books, so kids can’t read. So that’s one of our biggest things that we’re trying to do this year,” Hastings said. “[We’re] trying to get book donations . . . we want to make it so that kids can practice through language skills."

Dream Nziza is also planning future workshops focused on economic and financial self-reliance.

”I’ve met a lot of people who want to make a difference in the world, and when they find out about what I do, they’re super excited to talk about it," Hastings said.

Students, teachers and others interested in volunteering or donating to Dream Nziza can find more information on the organization's website. Additional updates and information are available on their Instagram page.

"There’s no better place to do it than with Dream Nziza," Hastings said. "Not only are we making opportunities for people in Rwanda, we’re also making opportunities for people here.”