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The 1994 genocide changed everything in Rwanda - social structures were almost destroyed; family life disintegrated. Children saw their parents killed in front of their eyes, very often by a neighbour who had previously been a friend. These events left behind children who were forced into the role of heads of households; they have had to abandon their schooling and care for their siblings. Many grandparents have also had to take on this role - some poor, old and frail, struggling to give their grandchildren some kind of life, in the wake of their own children's deaths not only through genocide, but now HIV/AIDs. |
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We have been working in Rwanda since 2001 and are currently assisting 200 families in three parts of the country - the capital Kigali, and the rural areas of Gikongoro and Nyamata. Together with Community Development Councils we identify children living in the most abject poverty - usually families of children who have lost both their parents as a result of the genocide or HIV/AIDS. Each
family works with a social worker to assess their needs and to make
a plan for the future, so every family has a tailor-made package
of help which will enable them to become self-sufficient over time.
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We
provide for their basic needs such as shelter, food, household utensils
and clothing. We also ensure they have access to medical care and
pay for their school fees, books and uniform so that they are able
to return to school. All families have access to a social worker
or trained specialist who provides advice, encouragement and counselling
to help them recover from Ultimately we want the children we support to become self-reliant, so we provide seeds, tools and help with labour costs so that they are able to make a living from their land. Older children are provided with grants and training to set up small enterprises such as market trading, bicycle deliveries or soap -making. By providing this support we are able to eliminate their immediate suffering and help them to become economically independent within 2- 3 years. |
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Hope
and Homes for Children is a registered charity. No 1089490