On Tuesday, ONE staff and volunteers attended a presidential candidate educational forum at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

At the forum, Senator Brownback talked about his vision for improving education so that America can compete in the world’s market. He acknowledged the work ONE is doing in promoting the Education For All Act and fighting global poverty.

He looked in the center of the room where we were sitting and he said “there are organizations out there that are leading the way to get us where we should be, and ONE is definitely an organization that I am proud to support.”

After the event, Senator Brownback walked towards us, shook hands and thanked me for the work ONE is doing. Before posing for the picture, he asked where I was originally from. I told him that I was born and raised in Rwanda, and he continued saying that he visited Rwanda and Congo this year and saw with his own eyes the work that needs to be done.

-Natalie Sugira, IA ONE Outreach Coordinator