Project Overview
Throughout 2024, the Batsinda Street Kids’ Rescue project provided support to 83 children, focusing on their health, education, emotional well-being, and integration into society. No new children were admitted to the project this year, but those already enrolled continued to receive holistic care. The project has a strong focus on trauma-informed rehabilitation, education, and independent living skills.
Admission and Immediate Needs
The admission phase is critical for ensuring that children receive the basic support and care they need to begin their healing process. Although no new children were admitted in 2024, we continued supporting the existing children. The 83 children under the project received essential health services, food security, shelter and emotional care.
Needs Assessment
At the beginning of 2024, a needs assessment was conducted for all 83 children to better understand their individual circumstances and needs. This assessment helped shape the plan for providing continued support in line with their goals and development.
Food Security
To ensure the children have the nourishment they need to thrive, the project provided regular food to take home. The following food items were made available: beans, cooking oil, rice, maize flour, salt, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, pasta, and sometimes yams. 78 children regularly received food to support their well-being at home.
Shelter and Housing
In 2024, the Batsinda Project supported 16 families with monthly house rental payments. This ensured that the children had stable homes to return to. Additionally, 68 children received clothes and hygiene products regularly.
Foster Care
In 2024 eight children lived at the Batsinda Project home. Full support was provide including a place to stay, food, a mother figure to care for them, and all necessary family requirements.
Health and Medical Care
In 2024
- 22 children received treatment for malaria.
- 8 children were treated for teeth-related issues.
- 5 children were treated for diarrhoea.
- 11 children received support for ulcers.
- 14 children were given nutritional support to maintain health.
- 75 children received national medical insurance.
- 4 children received treatment for injuries.
- 69 children attended health care advisory sessions conducted by a professional doctor.
- 4 children were treated for coughing.
- 2 children were treated for headaches.
Home Visits
To ensure the safety and well-being of children once they are back with their families, Comfort Rwanda conducts regular home visits. This provides an opportunity to assess their situation and offer support where necessary.
Rehabilitation and Development Strategy
The project’s rehabilitation and development strategy focuses on helping children heal emotionally and develop the skills they need for independent living. This strategy includes education, vocational training, and therapy, addressing both immediate and long-term needs.
Education and Vocational Training
In 2024 the project supported the following children in their education and vocational training:
- 10 children in primary school
- 16 young people in high school
- 18 young people in vocational training colleges
- 16 children receiving rehabilitation support from the government in partnership with Comfort Rwanda
- 3 young people in university after completing high school
Family Reintegration
In 2024, 3 children successfully graduated and were reintegrated with their families. The project worked closely with the families, preparing both the children and their families for successful reunions.
Trauma Healing and Social Integration
Through weekly activities, children continue to heal from trauma and regain their social confidence. These activities include Bible study, games, and sharing their testimonies. The children also engage in open discussions about their dreams and aspirations, as well as working through the emotional pain they have experienced.
Partnerships and Communication
The partnership with Comfort International and communication with sponsors has been a vital part of the project’s success. Visits from international groups have provided a renewed sense of belonging for the children. Their letters and gifts have been a source of comfort and encouragement.
Christmas Celebration
In December 2024, the children celebrated Christmas in a meaningful way, with gifts, special meals, and activities to foster joy and healing. This event provided a sense of normalcy and belonging.
Independent Living
The project’s main goal is to guide children toward independent living. In 2024, with support from the skills and opportunities provided by Comfort Rwanda, three young people graduated from the programme and are now living independently.
2025 Graduation Preparation
The preparation for our 2025 graduates is already underway. We have 18 young people being equipped with various skills to transition into independent living.
Challenges Faced in 2024
Despite the project’s achievements, several challenges persist:
- Ongoing behavioural challenges, including struggles with substance abuse.
- Family rejection during reintegration.
- Difficulty in securing stable family placements.
- The need for more children to be rescued from the streets.
However, these challenges will not deter our commitment to the children and their families. We continue to work hard to provide the necessary support to overcome these issues.
Acknowledgments and Thanks
The successes of the Batsinda Street Kids Rescue project would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Comfort International, local authorities, our dedicated staff and volunteers, and the generous sponsors who continue to believe in our work. Together we are transforming lives and helping children and young people find their path to a better future. Thank You.