The first major goal of the Rwanda Community Partnership was to provide Fulton and Callaway County's sister community of Kibungo with better access to medical care.
The next step is helping with education.
To that end, the Callaway County chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association and the Fulton Rotary Club are hosting a wine tasting and Rwandan program fundraiser to support a project for a preschool and adjoining crafters' studio in Gahurire Village.
From 6:30-9 p.m. on Feb. 1 in the banquet room of Sir Winston's Restaurant in Fulton, attendees can sample wine and hor d'oeuvres while University of Missouri graduate students Valens Hasubizimana and Felix Ndashimye speak about their native Rwanda.
"The idea of raising funds for a preschool in Rwanda was appealing to us because it will allow the children the benefits of early childhood education while allowing their mothers to work without worrying about the welfare of their children," said event organizer Mary Ann Beahon, who is a member of both sponsoring organizations. "The crafter's studio will help women to learn a skill that will help them to earn money for their families."