WESTERN PROVINCE

Kibuye Anglican Church on Friday gave health insurance cards, Mutuelle de sante, to over 60 street children.

"We have done our best to support these street children morally, spiritually and now physically by giving them all that we can afford," said Reverend Justin Zigiranyirazo, the church Archdeacon while handing over the cards.

He said other cards would be given to the rest of the remaining children soon.

"The list contains over 153 street children so we still have a big duty ahead of us," said Zigiranyirazo. He explained that they had already taken photos of the rest of the children and all that was missing was getting the cards and paying for them.

Zigiranyirazo decried the increasing number of street children in Kibuye, but commended the children for the spirit of togetherness after learning that some elder children had helped secure the cards for the younger ones among them.

"These children are also important and have value. We can not evade the problem of street children forever," said another member of the church. It was noted that drug abuse was among the chief problems the children pose; which was blamed on lack of care.

In the meantime, the church revealed a mega plan to build a home for the street kids most of whom are genocide and Aids orphans without homes.

They appealed to donors for funding, and urged for the inclusion of street kids in the country’s Vision 2020. "What these children need is a permanent physical and spiritual support," said Zigiranyirazo. He warned that the children would begin committing crimes if there was no immediate solution to resettle them.

During the same occasion, a team of Americans who had visited the church pledged to mobilise support for the children when they return to America.

"I assure you by the time I come back here, many of you will be better," one visitor who gave his name as Rihanna said.

The Church officials said they had also succeeded in enrolling some of the street kids in school and the results are good.

Karongi district has reportedly provided a piece of land where the resettlement home would be built.

"The mayor has already given us a piece of land for the home so we hope to start construction soon," said the Archdeacon.

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