From poverty to patronage: How Kayonza’s ‘guardian angels’ are changing lives

Whether in Kigali or rural areas of Rwanda, the issue of street children remains a persistent challenge, despite the government’s continuous efforts to get them off the streets and reintegrate them back into families and other support centres. Numerous children have turned to street life due to different circumstances, including having parents with alcohol addiction, facing severe poverty, or dealing with behavioural issues such as abuse at home, among others. ALSO READ: New project to help vulnerable Kigali residents get free legal aid In Kabarondo sector, Kayonza District, one couple took it upon themselves to help a few children who were seen picking up food scraps at the grocery store they own. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the children had fled their homes due to the poor living conditions. “Some of their mothers are sex workers, others have parents with mental health issues, and still others have HIV-positive parents. The children had to flee their homes due to the emotional distress they experienced there,” explained Divine Muzabibu. Overwhelmed with empathy, in 2021, 33-year-old Muzabibu, and her husband, Jean Bosco Bamuririmbe, aged 40, stepped up to help the children, and their parents, living in dire conditions in Kabarondo. “There is something very soothing about having children and seeing them grow through stages. My love for children since childhood pushed me to take care of them. It is not that I have a lot to give,” she notes. ALSO READ: Rwandan author seeks to help vulnerable children access education The couple stated that at first, the children were hesitant to open up until they started organising food sharing evenings that attracted them from the streets. The couple, who work as teachers, own a grocery store called Akagera Neighbours. They are currently using the store’s profits to support the needs of children. Every term, they spend more than Rwf 500,000 on school fees and other necessities for the 13 children they currently take care of, as well as their own school-aged son and daughter. The children under their care range in age from eight to eighteen years old. They support their education at different schools, such as Kabarondo B Primary School and Nyamirama Secondary School in Kayonza District. Many of these children have achieved remarkable academic success, with several ranking among the top ten students in their classes. ALSO READ: Rwf1bn to help poor people access free legal services “Out of the 13 children, eleven got promoted, six were in the top 10 in their respective classes, while two topped their classes, and three are in secondary school in forms five, three, and one,” said a proud Muzabibu. The impact of the couple extends beyond the lives of the 13 children; they have also supported their mothers, many of whom were previously sex workers or faced addiction issues. These women have transitioned into crafting mats and baskets, generating income for themselves, in addition to receiving psychosocial coaching and cultural entertainment. Every Wednesday and Friday, the children's mothers or guardians gather for mat-making sessions at Divine and Bamuririmbe's home. Ange Dushimimana, a former sex worker, shared her transformation, saying, “I am no longer a sex worker; I did it because I had three children to care for. I currently sell bananas in Kabarondo Market and have a capital of Rwf 25,000 from my efforts rather than prostitution. I see a bright future for my son.” These mat-making sessions not only provide financial support but also empower these women, giving them hope and strength as they work towards a better life for themselves and their children. Raised in a poor family, Bamuririmbe understands the challenges of breaking the cycle of poverty. He believes in partnering with mothers to nurture children into responsible and productive citizens. He is in the process of obtaining a non-governmental organization certificate of operation to expand their philanthropic efforts further, supporting more families and providing resources for a brighter future.

Lifestyle

From poverty to patronage: How Kayonza’s ‘guardian angels’ are changing lives