A New Opportunity for the PFR Children

Prison Fellowship Rwanda has for the past three years served 85 children ranging in age from 3 to 26 years. These children fall into three different categories: Children who live on the street without any external care, children who have only one parent either because the mother or father is in prison or died in the 1994 genocide, and children who are vulnerable (live in extreme poverty with their families). Despite their different backgrounds all these children share a common story. All live in extreme poverty, normally on the streets of Kigali. All dropped out of school at a young age as they could not afford to pay school fees. And all dream of a building a better future for themselves.

With the help of our US partners, Mustard Seed, since April these children have been receiving an increased number of hot meals, drinks, counselling and Bible teachings. Previously PFR could only afford for these children to visit the PFR office once or occasionally twice a week. Now they come three times a week! Furthermore, Mustard Seed has generously provided health insurance for the children for 2010 ensuring that when they are sick, they can receive medication that they could not previously afford.

The children listen to Bible teachings in the PFR garden

By spending just a few afternoons with these children it becomes clear how determined they are to continue their education. They try hard to learn English and show off their maths skills in exercise books they have found. They listen ardently to Bible teachings and enthusiastically participate in recreational sports. When talking to any one of them you will hear a similar dream, that of wanting to go back to school and then to find a job that would enable them to rise above the extreme poverty they now live in.

One of the youngest girls takes the opportunity to read some notes aloud in English

PFR is hopeful that this opportunity may have arrived for some of the older children. Amizero Training Centre offers six month, hands-on, vocational training courses in studies such as Mechanics, Carpentry, and Fabrication. These courses would teach the children the skills needed and reward them with the qualifications necessary to find a job. The courses start in September 2010 and so there is now an urgent need for funding. PFR are currently working closely with partners Douglas and Susan Milton towards this end.

Hikizimana Celeste considers not being able to go to school his only current problem despite having many other social issues. He dreams of going back to school as he says it would make his life more meaningful, he hopes that God will provide him the opportunity to make a better future for himself.

To send one child on a six month training course would cost US $593 in school fees and US $176 for school materials, totalling US $769. Unfortunately, school fees in Rwanda are very expensive and the government offers little support, but this $769 could completely transform a child’s life, enabling them to support themselves, family members still living and even the younger street children. In the grand scheme of things, this $769 could prevent these children, many of which have witnessed incomprehensible violence during the 1994 genocide, from falling into drug use, prostitution, or petty crime. PFR’s long-term vision is to establish a comprehensive care housing establishment for the 85 children that they serve, but for now, please show your support in the next step of their journey and help give them the opportunity to better themselves through an education that was made inaccessible to them through no fault of their own. To donate or get involved, please visit our website visit at www.pfrwanda.org or email us: info@pfrwanda.org.