A drive aimed at raising funds for the construction of an integrated centre for child victims of abuse and street children, especially girls, has been launched.

The campaign, dubbed "One hundred for one girl”, was launched on Saturday in Gasogi, Ndera Sector, Gasabo District.

The centre, which will have premises for vocational training school, early childhood development and dormitories for girls, is expected to cost Rwf 400 million.

The launch was conducted by Centre Marembo, which supports vulnerable young girls and adolescents picked from the streets and those who encountered sexual abuse, among other cases of domestic violence.

The event was attended by local leaders of Gasabo District, community members, and a team of visitors from World Pix, that contributed to the campaign.

Bishop Fidele Masengo, Centre Marembo board chairman, observed that the country cannot develop when children are left behind, adding that few mothers had dedicated their lives to care for the children they did not deliver.

Masengo called on all parents to treat every child as their own.

Jean Rwikangura, the director of social protection in Gasabo District, noted that caring for children victims of abuse and violation is everyone’s responsibility, adding that the development of the necessary infrastructure is crucial.

However, there will not be sustainability if the children are not cared for enough, he added.

He added that many people are less interested in caring for such children because they do not expect financial benefits.

One hundred coin contribution

Nicolette Nsabimana, executive director of Centre Marembo, said that the centre staff will visit schools, public and private institutions, and faith-based organisations sensitising people on contributing to the campaign.

Nsabimana noted that the centre focuses on transforming children’s behaviors until they are reintegrated in their families.

"There are so many children facing violation and abuse but our capacity to host them is limited. We do not have enough space and we rent for them. The results of this campaign will help us have our own premises which will ease ways of receiving a big number of children,” she said.

The centre will, meanwhile, soon inaugurate a clinic, Imirasire Youth Clinic, worth Rwf 50 million.

This is courtesy of Australian women, where the children will be freely treated.

Ryan Plakonouris, CEO of WorldPix, commended "the great work” done by the Centre to care for children.

He added that their contribution was in the context of giving back to the community.

Centre Marembo is currently home to 77 girls, who are victims of abuse.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw