Our Story
Our Story
Born from a friendship and shared values,
EduDrive began as a simple idea over lunch and coffee:
Why not mix our wanderlust with a purpose?
Both of us had the opportunity to live in different places abroad, discover new cultures, and experience the power of access to education along our own life paths.
Africa is still often stigmatized as universally “poor” or “underdeveloped” but the reality is way more complicated. By combining an initiative to provide resources to the next generation of talents and to bring local culture closer to our community back home, we set out to achieve sustainable impact and contribute to a better understanding and appreciation of this beautiful continent.
The
Beginning
of
EduDrive
In Rwanda, many children still lack access to the educational tools they need to grow and dream freely. EduDrive was born from a shared belief that access to knowledge can transform lives, and that lasting change begins by working with local communities.
From the outset, our goal was simple: to create learning spaces that would truly belong to the people who use them. We aimed to strengthen what already existed, to listen before acting, and to build something that could continue to grow long after we stepped back.
With this spirit, EduDrive took its first steps in 2024, partnering with local organizations to create community libraries filled with books, games, and opportunities to learn and connect. Each library became more than just a room with shelves , it became a place of inspiration, curiosity, and hope for children and families alike.
Why
Africa
&
Education?
Because we believe education is one of the greatest enablers of prosperity.
Because we will never forget the smiling faces of children discovering joy in the smallest things.
Because we are deeply inspired by Africa’s landscapes, cultures, and people, and we recognize the urgent need for access to knowledge and educational support.
Lukas and Gabriel meet in a café in Shanghai during their university exchange. Instant connection and bonding over shared interests.
Lightbulb moment in Cologne, Germany during a catch-up. The idea for EduDrive is born.
5 months of preparation for Project Rwanda: research, planning, logistics, fundraising, legal checks, and partnerships.
Preliminary visit to Rwanda: site assessments, networking, connecting with locals, and capturing promotional materials. Meeting Agati Library team for the first time.
Launch of GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the libraries.
EduDrive was officially founded and registered as a non-profit NGO (e.V.) in Germany.
Team flies to Rwanda to begin on-the-ground execution of the project.
Project implementation in Rwanda: Building and equipping two small libraries over 5 weeks.
📍 Nyabihu School for the Deaf, Musanze District: €2085 invested to build and equip a community-accessible library.
📍 Community Youth Centre, Rubengera, Karongi District: A vibrant library established with 600+ books and a full-time librarian hired.
First full-time librarian hired in Karongi with several years of educational experience.
Libraries continue operating smoothly. First phase of usage and community integration.
Planning for 2025 begins: no new project planned. Instead, EduDrive focuses on sustainability and improvement of existing libraries.
Goals: ensure funding for 2026, upgrade learning comfort (books, furniture, carpets), and identify what’s missing.
Maria Alexandre Martins joins EduDrive as a new team member, bringing new skills and energy to the organization.
🧠 EduDrive Connect: First major online event held over Zoom to update supporters, connect with the community, and present future plans.
✈️ Third EduDrive Visit to Rwanda (2 weeks): visited both libraries, delivered new materials, and met local partners to reinforce collaboration.
€5,500 fundraised: €3,000 secured to sustain both libraries for 2025–2026. Remaining ~€2,000 used for a new carpet and 300–400 additional books.
Lisa joins the EduDrive team, expanding the core group with new energy and support as the initiative continues to grow.
Libraries fully operational. Monthly financial support continues. New books and upgrades integrated into both locations.
Long-term sustainability, expansion of EduDrive Connect, further improvements, and potential new locations for 2026+.
Our
Journey
