As the Rwandan economy slowly recovers from civil war, the weakest are once again falling by the wayside. The genocide of 16 years ago left behind over one million orphans and untold homeless. These young people have nowhere to go and no trusted adults to turn to. Without education, it is impossible for young people to escape the vicious circle of poverty and crime.

A place that children and young people can call home

This is the reason that the UEM supports the Youth at Risk programme. Through the programme, girls and boys find a home for the first time with regular meals and medical care. The younger ones can go to school; the older ones receive solid training in the jobs that are most needed in the country. There are cabinetry workshops, sewing studios and metalworking facilities that produce furniture and technical equipment that sells well. Students can also learn the basics of agriculture. The programme trains the young people of Rwanda to be able to take their lives into their own hands in their own country.

Cabinetmaking and sewing

With our help, the Anglical Church in Rwanda has established a centre for young people in Gitarama. The centre is home to 60 boys and girls who learn trades such as cabinetmaking, welding, sewing and knitting. What's more, they learn how to sell these products. This is all just a beginning; many young people still live on the streets. They too deserve a chance. We want to help the centre build an addition, and to obtain the materials and tools to do it. The only way to conquer poverty is through education. Help us do it!

With your donation, boys and girls in Rwanda can look toward the future with hope.