SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda to hold fundraising concert for vulnerable children

SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda is holding a gospel fundraising concert to support its mission of transitioning children from street life to family environments. ALSO READ: How art is transforming lives of street children in Musanze The event, scheduled for Sunday, October 19, at Christian Life Assembly (CLA) Nyarutarama from 3.30 p.m., is expected to draw a vibrant gathering of believers, partners, and philanthropists from all walks of life, united by a shared purpose of transforming children’s lives. During a press briefing on October 7, SOS officials announced that the concert is intended to raise awareness and mobilise at least Rwf 60 million to support SOS Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to help children move from life on the streets into safe, loving, and sustainable family environments. “This will be more than a concert; it will be a national moment of hope and a call for collective action,” said Aimable Serugo, SOS Rwanda’s Regional Director representing the National Director. ALSO READ: SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda, REB launch National Remedial Learning Program Guide Serugo explained that the concert reflects the organisation’s deep commitment to ending child homelessness in Rwanda and that they set an ambitious goal that by 2027, the organisation aims to have helped at least 7,800 children leave the streets and return to their homes. “A child who has lived on the streets for a long time carries trauma and psychological wounds,” Serugo said. “They go through a long process of rehabilitation because many of them return with illnesses, depression, or emotional distress. We take in children between six and thirteen years of age, mostly referred to us by the National Rehabilitation Services (NRS) and the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF). “So far, 517 children have successfully been reintegrated into their families, and over 4,000 families have been economically empowered to provide better care. But the impact of COVID-19 and the global economic crisis continue to make the situation worse. That is why we are inviting everyone, churches, the private sector, and the public, to join us in this mission.” He further explained that SOS Rwanda’s programmes are addressing not only childcare but also family strengthening and youth empowerment. The organisation runs diverse initiatives, including remedial learning, the SOS technical school, where over 1,500 youths have graduated in vocational schools, the emergency response programme, alternative childcare, empowering youth and strengthening families, reintegration of street children, mental health, green regeneration, and dental health. “Currently, SOS Rwanda supports more than 130,000 beneficiaries, and by 2027, that number is expected to double,” Serugo stated. Partnering with SOS Rwanda for this remarkable event is The City Light Church of Rwanda, a branch of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel (ICFG). Its representative, Pastor Edwin Akombo Eregwa, emphasised the importance of faith communities stepping forward to bring lasting change. “This initiative responds directly to society’s most urgent needs; true social transformation requires long-term commitment. We are proud to stand with SOS in restoring hope and dignity to children, and we welcome other churches to join us in this noble cause. Together, we can make Rwanda a better place for every child,” Akombo said. The concert will feature a line-up of gospel performers, including Ben & Chance, Alarm Ministries, El-Shaddai Choir, Joyous Melody, and celebrated artiste Chryso Ndasingwa, among others. For Ben Serugo, one of the performing artistes, this concert is a deeply spiritual journey. “We are praying and preparing with purpose,” he shared. “We believe this event will be led by the Holy Spirit. It’s not just about singing; it’s about bringing the community together to make a difference in children’s lives.” His fellow artiste Chryso Ndasingwa, who will also grace the stage, added a personal reflection. “I was once a child supported by humanitarian organisations,” he said. “Their sponsorship changed my life. I know the power of being given a second chance. This concert is my way of giving back; not just by singing, but by supporting other children to find hope and a future.” A growing crisis that demands action Rwanda continues to face the challenge of children living in street situations. A 2017 UNICEF situational analysis estimated around 7,000 children living in such conditions. That number has since risen sharply. The National Rehabilitation Services (NRS) estimates that about 17,960 children are now living or working on the streets, many without parental care. ALSO READ: Rwanda's orphanage closure: A 12-year journey in transforming child care The National Children’s Council (NCC) found that over 32% of these children are based in Kigali, and a 2022 study by SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda showed that nearly 80% of children in rehabilitation were under the age of 16, with over 10% younger than ten years old. Serugo highlighted that the increase has been linked to post-COVID-19 poverty, economic hardships, and family conflicts that have left thousands of children vulnerable. “Many are drawn to the streets hoping for a better life, only to face the harsh reality of survival without safety, education, or love,” he added. SOS Rwanda’s community-based rehabilitation approach is designed to reverse this reality, ensuring that every child grows up in a family environment, as per the government’s policy. ALSO READ: Family-based care crucial to support children with disabilities – activists The organisation works hand-in-hand with local authorities, civil society, and the private sector to create lasting, sustainable reintegration systems. The Gospel Fundraising Concert will be a gathering of hearts and voices united for one cause: to give every child in Rwanda a home, a family, and a future. Serugo added that tickets are available at Rwf 5,000 (Bronze), Rwf 10,000 (Silver), and Rwf 15,000 (Gold). “Proceeds will directly fund rehabilitation centres, family empowerment programmes, education support, and mental healthcare for children recovering from street life,” he stated. ALSO READ: Top 10 artistes inspiring Rwanda's gospel industry Serugo concluded that every Rwandan franc contributed, every voice lifted, and every prayer offered would bring them closer to their dream of a Rwanda where no child sleeps on the streets and every child grows up surrounded by love, respect, and security.

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SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda to hold fundraising concert for vulnerable children