For 20 years, Anonciata Nakabonye has been taking care of vulnerable children, some orphans, and others, former street kids.

Her four-room house situated in the suburb of Busanza, Kicukiro District, is where the once homeless and abandoned children now reside.

A single mother, Nakabonye’s main source of income is farming, however, she also takes on small jobs to make ends meet. What she wants the most, she says, is to give these children a home and a bright future.

"I love children and I want to be there for them. When I find those who are suffering, I give them a home and take care of them. I am just a farmer, and I am not rich, but I manage to make some money. My children are growing up well, and it makes me happy to see them have a place they call home,” she says.

Some of the children were brought in when they were just months, even days, old. They don’t have families, some come from broken homes, and others were found on streets.

Moise Ihirwe, for example, was dumped at a health centre shortly after he was born. Nakabonye found him and took him in, nursed and raised him. He is now four years old and is a jolly young boy.

Another child who saddened Nakabonye was three-year old Kevine Uwase, whom she found on the streets in Gisenyi five years ago.

"She was alone and had no one to take care of her, she didn’t know her family. I thought about what I could do but I couldn’t stand the thought of leaving her behind. I sought permission from village officials and took her in,” she says.

Uwase is now a girl with dreams. She sat quietly throughout the interview and would nod or respond gently to some of the questions.

Uwase is eight years old and is now in primary two, she hopes to become a police officer when she grows up. Though she barely recalls the events that led her to Nakabonye’s home, she is content and glad to have found a place to call home.

 "I thank my mother for taking care of me, though she adopted me, I take her as my real mother. I want to study hard and become a police officer,” Uwase says.

Nakabonye (right) with her children in their living room. 

Inspiration

Nakabonye’s parents were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. A former domestic helper saved her life.

"I was shot and left for dead, but our former helper rescued me. He took me in and treated me well because my parents had treated him well too. He saved my life that day, and so I had the need to be good and reach out to others,” she says.

The last born of her five adopted children is now four years old and the eldest is 20. She also has four biological children.

The 42-year-old says the doors to her home will always be open to vulnerable children who need a home.

Some of Nakabonye’s  children were brought in when they were just months, even days, old.

The future

When Nakabonye takes these children in, she provides them with education; something she says is her biggest priority as she wants these kids to have a bright future.

"What I want is for them to get an education. It’s hard paying school fees for all of them but at times I get support from well-wishers,” she says.

Aphrodis Uwiragiye, the village leader of Kariyeri cell in Busanza, refers to Nakabonye as "a noble woman who has the best interests of her country at heart.”

He applauds the fact that even though she doesn’t have much, she still reaches out to those who are needy.

"What Nakabonye is doing means a lot to our society, these children are in safe hands and we appreciate her effort. The children who did not have parents now have a mother to love and care for them. And those who would have been on the streets are now in a home and are attending school,” Uwiragiye says.

A farmer by profession, Nakabonye has a total of nine minors under her care. All photos (and cover) by  Sam Ngendahimana

Nakabonye’s adopted children share their story

Eric Muhawenayo recalls the events that led him to Nakabonye’s home. He was living with his father and step-mother, but they mistreated him, and he was abused emotionally and physically.

"One day my father beat me and then tied both of my hands and put them in a hot stove, he was burning my hands as a punishment for my poor performance in school. When he was arrested for it, I was left with my stepmother who continued the abuse. She mistreated me but I later reported the case to officials, this is when I was brought here,” the nine-year-old recalls.

Muhawenayo says life is better now and he plans to work hard and become a pilot in the future such that he makes a lot of money.

Angelique Kajeneza is another beneficiary. She was adopted when she was only a few months old; her mother had passed on and her father was in jail. She was left with no one to look after her; and this is when she was brought to Nakabonye’s home.

"I have grown up in this house; she is the only mother I know and I will always be grateful for all that she has done for us. With her, we have a home and we are one big happy family,” the now 20-year-old says.

Unfortunately Kajeneza dropped out of school after completing primary level, but she says she is working hard to help her mother with the expenses at home.

"I completed primary school but I later dropped out of school because I wanted to help my mother take care of our family. I am now a porter. I hope to get married and start a family one day,” she says.

Nakabonye’s  children share their views

The world will be a better place if we had more people like our mother. We are so many yet she does her best to give us a home. I will always be grateful and I promise to buy her a cow one day.

Patrick Ishimwe

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Our mother has set a good example for us; she solely provides for us and does her best to ensure we live a good life. When I grow up I want to be like her and help others in need.

Yvonne Uwamahoro

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I have learnt a great deal growing up with my mother. She has taught us a lot but most importantly, she has taught us to love and care. I thank her for giving a home to those who had nowhere to go.

Diane Uwineza

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So many children out there need help and I believe if society comes together, a lot can be done. They can be helped in terms of education, health insurance and support in life generally.

Eric Havugimana

editorial@newtimes.co.rw