NEW YORK - A group of Rwandan street children this week performed at the Global South-South Development Expo in New York, a performance that was aimed at promoting Rwandan culture overseas.

According to a UN press statement, the four-day exhibition was facilitated by the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation in the UNDP on the occasion of the fifth United Nations Day for South-South cooperation.

The children who formerly survived on Rwandan streets are members of Mizero Association, a rehabilitation programme that gives hope to children living on the streets and it promotes Rwanda through art and culture.

Currently, the association caters for 112 children, most of now living in foster families, with some remaining on the streets. Medical care is provided by UNICEF.

The event which was concluded yesterday brings together different countries and its major aim, according to the statement, mainly focuses on enhancing partnerships amongst developing countries.

"I am moved and impressed by the enthusiasm and energy the children displayed despite harsh living condition many are subjected to on a daily basis,” UN Resident Coordinator Aurelien Agbenonci is quoted in a statement as having said prior to the departure of the children. He added that he was pleased that the UN was taking part in offering an opportunity to these children.

According to the statement, this expo manifests the idea that South-South cooperation is vehicle to accelerate development through partnerships among the middle-income developing and least developed countries.

The Special Unit for South-South Cooperation was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1978 and the expo is held under the auspices of the UNDP.

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