The Batsinda Project continues to stand as a powerful example of Comfort Rwanda’s commitment to restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity to vulnerable children. In 2025, the project focused on holistic transformation by addressing not only children’s immediate needs but also their long-term development. Our approach integrates health and nutrition, education, family reintegration, economic empowerment, and emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
This report, prepared by our partners Comfort Rwanda, highlights the progress made throughout the year, supported by testimonies from the children themselves, which demonstrate the real and lasting impact of the project. In 2025, all children accessed health insurance, 83 children benefited from education support, 100% of children lived in safe family environments, and 13 youth graduated into independent living, with 34 more preparing for graduation in the coming years. These outcomes reflect lives changed and futures rebuilt.
Health Support
Health support remains a foundation for all development. Without good health, no child can grow, learn, or thrive. In 2025, we are delighted to report that 100% of Batsinda children were covered by the National Community Health Insurance (Mutuelle de Santé). This ensured immediate access to medical treatment whenever illness occurred and removed the financial burden from families and guardians.
Our health programme works closely with nutrition support, enabling children to recover quickly and regain strength. Children who became unwell received timely treatment, follow-up care, and adequate nutrition.
Testimonies
Wilson:
“I suffered from malaria and typhoid, but after I was taken to the hospital and received meals and drinks according to the doctor’s advice, I recovered very quickly. I am thankful to have been part of the project.”
Eric:
“I feel that I am not alone in this journey of life and I am not afraid because of the people God brought into my life. When I was sick and unable to walk, the project officer came to my home and helped me go to the hospital. I felt like I had a big family around me.”
Education Support
Education remains the heart of the Batsinda Project. It gives children the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and shape their own futures. In 2025, 83 children accessed formal and informal education, including university-level support.
Beyond school fees, the project provided uniforms, scholastic materials, boarding fees, and close monitoring to ensure consistent attendance and performance. This stable support has enabled many children to progress academically and develop confidence in their abilities.
Testimonies
Niyomukiza (Primary 3 94%, 1st position):
“Accessing everything I need helped me to perform well at school. I feel happy to be able to attend school regularly.”
Gisubizo (Secondary 5 78.57%, 3rd position):
“I was rescued from the street when I was very young. Now I work hard and take every opportunity. I study in a good boarding school and I perform well because I have all I need.”
Joshua (Secondary 5 76%, 7th position):
“I dream big and I am full of hope for a better future. I love reading and studying hard, and this is helping me achieve good marks.”
Family Reintegration
Family reintegration is one of the most important pillars of the Batsinda Project. We have learned that children thrive best when they grow up in safe, loving family environments. Therefore, reuniting children with their families remains a top priority whenever it is safe and possible.
In 2025, we achieved an exceptional milestone: 100% of children in the Batsinda Project are now living in safe family settings. Only three children remain under guardianship arrangements, fully supported by Comfort Rwanda with house rent, food, education, and medical care.
Testimonies
Ndahayo:
“I do not stay with my parents but with a Batsinda local family where Comfort Rwanda provides house rent and support. I feel happy learning to live with a family because for many years I lived on the street. Now I have a home.”
Asifiwe:
“I live with my mother, and the project provides house rent and food because she cannot afford it alone. We love living together, laughing, sharing stories, and journeying through life as a family.”
Eric:
“After my mother died, things were not easy because she was the only person I had. The project now supports me with house rent and food. The project is the family I have, and I am always thankful.”
Graduation and economic independence
In 2025, 13 youth graduated from the Batsinda Project, equipped with vocational skills and income-generating abilities. Additionally, 34 children are preparing for graduation in 2026 and 2027, receiving training and mentorship.
Graduates have been trained in areas such as carpentry, welding, driving, and other practical trades.
Testimonies
Fabrice (Carpentry and Driving):
“I can now rent a house and support my family. Batsinda supported me with carpentry and driving training. I drive for work and design wood products. I have opened my own company.”
Fidele (Welding):
“After completing welding training and receiving tools, I started working. I earn enough to support myself and my family. My life is better because I now have skills and independence.”
Connection through sponsor letters
Letter communication continued to be a powerful emotional link between children and sponsors. Children feel loved, remembered, and encouraged through these letters.
Testimonies
Martin:
“After my mother abandoned me, life was very hard. When I received Andrea’s letter, I felt remembered and loved. Now I feel part of a big family in Rwanda and overseas.”
Innocent:
“Letters from Gillian make me feel connected to her. Whenever I hear that a letter has arrived, I feel very happy.”
Kevin:
“I love receiving letters. They make me feel connected and valued.”
National Identification: A Step Towards Independence and Recognition
In 2025, we supported six children in our programme to obtain their National Identification (ID), a significant milestone that represents recognition, dignity, and independence in the Rwandan context. Having an ID enables young people to access essential services such as healthcare, education, banking, and employment opportunities, and affirms their identity as valued and responsible citizens. For children who have experienced vulnerability and exclusion, this achievement marks an important step towards self-reliance and a hopeful future.
Out of the six children who received their IDs, two shared their personal testimonies, which clearly show the impact of this support:
Testimonies
James
“I was abandoned by my father, and my mother was addicted to alcohol. My life was horrible and hopeless, and I was not registered in the Rwanda Civil Registration system. Without an ID, I could not access many basic services. Now I can open a bank account, sign a work contract, be recognised by the health system, and continue my education, which also requires an ID. My father was not around to help with this, and it is very challenging to get an ID without parents. The project supported me financially and practically, and this has completely changed my life and given me hope for my future.”
Kevin
“I feel very happy in my heart that I now have an ID. I now have full access to so many services in Rwanda, and I feel valued and recognised as a Rwandan. This makes me feel independent and confident about my future.”
Overseas group visits
2025 was enriched by visits from Comfort International teams. These visits strengthened relationships, boosted confidence, and made children feel globally supported.
Children enjoyed football, prayers, testimonies, meals, and time spent together.
They shared: “We feel valued, connected, and encouraged. We learned from each other and loved every moment together.”
The Batsinda Project in 2025 demonstrated that transformation is possible when children are given holistic care, love, and opportunity. From health recovery to academic excellence, from street life to family belonging, and from dependency to independence, the project has continued to nurture hope and transform lives.
This success is only possible because of the generosity and faithfulness of sponsors, partners, and staff. Together, we are not only supporting children today but shaping strong, confident, and responsible adults for tomorrow.