Introduction
The year 2025 has been a year of growth, stabilisation and transformation for the Kanombe Street Kids Rescue Project. As one of the newest projects under Comfort Rwanda, the main focus has been on healing, protection, education, family tracing, behaviour change and health improvement. There have been no graduations yet because the project is still building strong foundations in the children’s lives before preparing them for independence. The project currently supports 23 children, each receiving care based on their individual background, needs and safety.
Children’s Living Arrangements
Out of the 23 children supported, 17 are living with their biological families. Among them is Eric, who lives in a different sector after his family was traced and found by the Comfort Rwanda team. Although he does not live in Kanombe, he continues to receive regular support and attends project gatherings, with transport provided by the project.
Six children are living in foster care families. Comfort Rwanda provides house rent support, food, clothing and other basic needs. Additional support is also given so that foster caregivers are not overburdened and can continue caring for the children with stability and dignity.
Mugisha (name changed) shared that his mother is heavily addicted to drugs, involved in prostitution and behaves aggressively toward him. He is afraid to live with her because she sometimes chases him away. Isaac (name changed) shared that his mother has rejected him and does not want him to live with her, so he is currently under project care where Comfort Rwanda provides housing and basic needs. Emmanuel(name changed) reported that he was abused in the past and does not feel safe returning to his mother at this time. However, reconciliation remains a future hope if conditions improve. The other three in foster care families and not their biological families are there as it was agreed this was the best present place for them to be.
Sponsorship Status and Urgent Need
In the Kanombe project, out of the 23 children approved to join the programme, 20 are already sponsored while 3 children are still waiting for sponsorship. These children are Ntwari Dieume, Byukusenge Jean de Dieu, and Uwitonze Dodos.
Dieume, aged 15, was rescued from the streets. His parents are divorced and neither of them was willing to take responsibility for him, which pushed him to live on the streets. He hopes to become a businessman in the future and believes that being sponsored will help him build a stable and independent life.
Jean de Dieu, born in 2010, dreams of becoming a soldier. Being part of the project and receiving sponsorship will help secure his future and support him in achieving his dreams through education and proper guidance.
Uwitonze, aged 16, lived on the streets for a long time. His admission into the project has given him hope for a better life, especially through regular school attendance and access to basic needs and protection.
Our prayer is that sponsors will be found for these three children soon so that they may fully benefit from the support provided by the project. They are in great need of sponsorship to ensure continuity in their education, health care, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, and overall development.
Saturday Gathering: Emotional and Christian Development
The Saturday Gathering remains one of the most important programmes in the Kanombe project. It allows Comfort Rwanda to learn about the changes happening in the children’s lives while providing emotional support and Christian development. During these gatherings, children learn the Bible, pray together, share what is on their hearts, sing, play games and encourage one another. It creates a safe environment where children feel listened to, loved and valued.
Chantal, the Project Manager, reported that Serge is one of the children who benefits greatly from the Saturday Gathering. Despite his family rejection and abandonment, he is committed to Jesus, prays for others and shares the Word of God with confidence.
Kwizera Ernest shared, “I love when we are together every Saturday because I learn a lot about Jesus and share what is on my heart and my life at home. I feel happy when we meet, play games and sing together.”
Education Progress and Achievement
Education remains one of the strongest pillars of the Kanombe project. The children are performing very well in school, and most have been promoted to higher levels because of their academic performance. This is a powerful transformation, especially considering that many of them were once living on the streets. Today, they are becoming some of the best-performing pupils in their schools.
Ndayisenga, who scored 87.5%, said he feels very happy to receive school support and works hard because of it. He shared that he would not be doing this well without the project’s support.
Ernest, who is in Primary 3 and scored 80.8%, said, “Attending school every day helps me to score great marks. Whenever I get the support I need, I feel strengthened and I see a better future.”
Samuel also performed strongly, scoring 80.4%, showing consistent improvement and commitment.
Out of the 23 children, only two struggle with regular school attendance. Eric shows more interest in animal rearing as an income-generating activity. Sharif finds it difficult to adjust to the formal education system and believes small business skills may better support his future independence. Sharif is now being supported to visit different business areas to explore vocational opportunities. Importantly, Sharif is now drug-free and shows significant improvement in behaviour and discipline.
Health, Hygiene and Nutrition
The Health and Nutrition Programme has played a major role in maintaining the wellbeing of the children. Only six children were seriously sick throughout 2025. Common illnesses included malaria, typhoid, skin rashes, stomach aches, headaches and coughing.
Children received medical treatment, hygiene training and education on preventable diseases. The provision of quality food, including body-building foods, body-protecting foods and energy-giving foods, has helped strengthen their health and immunity.
Samuel shared that he had malaria, but after being taken to hospital by the project mother, he started feeling better because he accessed all the treatment and nutrition he needed.
Ndayisenga shared that he used to suffer from skin rashes because of his past living conditions. During the summer his skin was painful, but after receiving medicine and care from the project, he started feeling much better. He said he is happy to be part of the project because the team listens to him when he needs support.
Drug Rehabilitation and Behaviour Change
Drug rehabilitation has shown strong progress. Six children are now using drugs less than 30% compared to their condition at entry. Their behaviour, emotional stability and discipline have greatly improved.
Kevin shared, “When I walk through Kanombe centre and meet boys taking drugs, I feel tempted, but I keep trying my best to stop completely.” His words show awareness, courage and commitment to change.
Sponsorship Communication and Letters
Most of the children reported that they love receiving letters from their sponsors because they feel connected and encouraged. Whenever they hear from the Comfort Rwanda office that letters have arrived, they pay close attention, waiting to hear the names of those who will be called. These moments bring excitement, joy and hope.
Samuel shared that when his teacher told him a letter from his sponsor had arrived, he felt very happy and proud. It allowed him to share with his classmates what it means to be sponsored, especially since many knew his past as a street child.
Kennedy shared that he receives letters often and that they make him feel remembered and valued. He hopes his sponsor will continue writing to him and never forget about him.
Home Visits and Child Protection
Home visits were conducted to monitor children’s wellbeing, assess family environments and ensure that support is being used properly. The team confirmed that the assistance given has improved the children’s emotional security, health, stability and school participation.
Erisa shared that he feels happy living with his biological family while receiving support from the project and that he does not wish to return to street life.
Project Status: No Graduations Yet
Kanombe is still a young project. There have been no graduations yet because the focus remains on healing, stabilisation, education foundation, behaviour change and family reintegration. Graduation will only be considered when children are emotionally stable, skilled, responsible and prepared for independent living.
Future Plans for 2026
In 2026, Comfort Rwanda plans to conduct family capability evaluations to understand the strengths and challenges of families. The goal is to strengthen families so that they can provide care, protection, love and stability for their children, supporting sustainable reintegration and long-term wellbeing.
This report shows that the Kanombe Street Kids Rescue Project is building strong foundations of hope, healing and transformation. The progress seen in education, health, behaviour change, family reintegration and emotional wellbeing reflects the impact of consistent care and love invested in each child.