The Gatenga Street Kids Rescue Project continues to work toward its goal of improving the quality of life for ex-street children in Gatenga, Kigali. In 2024, the project provided support to 45 children, focusing on their health, education, emotional well-being, and integration into society. Two new children were admitted this year, and all children continued to receive holistic care. The project maintains a strong emphasis on trauma-informed rehabilitation, education, and independent living skills. Enclosed is a report, compiled by our in-country partners at Comfort Rwanda, who run and oversee the Gatenga SKR project, and details on how your support has helped to transform the lives of ex-street children in Gatenga.
Admission and Immediate Needs
Objective: To establish a structured, compassionate, and efficient process that ensures each child rescued from the streets receives appropriate care, attention, and services from the moment of admission. This process prioritizes safety, immediate support, and assessment of the child’s physical and emotional well-being to prepare them for rehabilitation and development.
Health and Medical Care
- 6 children received treatment for malaria.
- 2 children were treated for dental issues.
- 1 child was treated for diarrhoea.
- 3 children received support for ulcers.
- 8 children were given a special balanced diet to maintain health.
- 39 children received national medical insurance.
- 2 children received treatment for injuries.
- 41 children attended healthcare advisory sessions conducted by a professional doctor.
- 4 children were treated for persistent coughing.
- 2 children were treated for headaches.
- 1 child was treated for a respiratory condition.
- 1 child was treated for an eye illness.
Food Security
To ensure proper nourishment, the project regularly provided food packages, including beans, cooking oil, rice, maize flour, salt, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, pasta, and yams. A total of 37 children regularly received food support.
Shelter and Housing
In 2024, the Gatenga Project provided monthly rent support to five families, ensuring stable homes for the children. Additionally, 40 children received clothes and hygiene materials, reinforcing their dignity and social acceptance.
Foster Care
The project remained a home for one child, offering full support, including shelter, food, a mother figure, and essential family care.
Needs Assessment
At the beginning of 2024, a needs assessment was conducted for all 45 children to understand their individual circumstances. This assessment guided the project’s approach to continued support in alignment with each child’s development goals.
Testimonies
Kelia (above left, excited with the new shoes she received at Christmas time):
“I do not know if my parents are alive. I grew up in different families where people helped me until I was left alone with no one. The district connected me with Comfort Rwanda, and now my life has changed. I receive parental love from the project house, and God has given me new friends who are like my brothers and sisters. I am full of joy and thankful for the support.”
Eva (above centre with her present at Christmas):
“I joined the project in 2024 when my mother was struggling to provide for us. She is HIV+ and not strong enough to support the family after my father passed away. Now, the project provides food, house rent, and emergency support as needed.”
Lilian (above right enjoying the celebrations with the project at Christmas time):
“Through the project’s food distribution, I can study in a safe environment. I live with my mother, who is uneducated and does casual jobs to support us. I know many young girls who turn to the streets, and without this support, I might have ended up the same or worse because of hunger.”
Home Visits
To ensure the children’s well-being in their home environments, Comfort Rwanda conducted regular home visits, assessing their situations and offering necessary support.
Rehabilitation and Development Strategy
Objective: To provide a comprehensive, trauma-informed, and child-centered approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term development. The goal is to empower children with emotional healing, essential skills, and educational or vocational training, leading to independent living, family reintegration, or specialized rehabilitation.
Education and Vocational Training
In 2024, the project supported:
- One child in primary school
- Seventeen children in high school
- Eight children in vocational training colleges
- One child receiving rehabilitation support from the government in partnership with Comfort Rwanda
- Seven children in university
- Ten children graduated from university
Family Reintegration
The project worked closely with families to prepare children for reintegration. All children are currently living with either close family, extended family, or in foster care. Ongoing visits and conversations help strengthen family bonds.
Trauma Healing and Social Integration
Through weekly activities such as Bible study, games, and discussions, children continue to heal and build resilience. About 95% of the children have successfully reintegrated into society, actively contributing to their communities and schools.
Independent Livelihood
In 2024, seven children graduated from the program and transitioned to independent living with skills acquired through the project.
Testimonies:
- Gatete: “I completed welding training and can now sustain myself. The Gatenga Project shaped me into the person I am today.”
- Irumva (below): “I completed welding training, then pursued high school and university. Now, with a degree in civil engineering, I have a job and can support myself while encouraging younger project members to stay focused.”
Challenges Faced
- Two children lost their parents in 2024.
- Five parents lost their jobs, affecting their ability to provide for their families.
- Several children and parents experienced health challenges.
- Some parents struggle with alcohol dependency.
- Four children are facing academic difficulties due to past trauma.
- Many more children remain on the streets, increasing demand for support beyond available resources.
Partnerships and Communication
The partnership with Comfort International and engagement with sponsors have been instrumental in the project’s success. Sponsor letters and gifts continue to be a source of encouragement for the children.
Testimonies:
- Gabriel (right): “Receiving a letter from my sponsor makes me feel connected and supported.”
- Claude: “Every time my name is called for a letter, I feel a sense of belonging. I keep all my letters as a reminder that I am not alone in this journey.”
Christmas Celebration
In December 2024, the children enjoyed a festive season with new clothes, shoes, special meals, and a Kigali city tour.
Jasmine: “I loved the city tour and the gifts we received. It was a joyful celebration!”
Motivations and Acknowledgments
The successes of the Gatenga Project would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Comfort International, local authorities, dedicated staff and volunteers, and generous sponsors. Together, we are transforming lives and helping children build a better future.
Thank you,