WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU — Turengerumwana Association has donated 26 goats to mothers of children formerly living on Gisenyi streets.

The goats meant for poverty eradication were handed over to the beneficiaries last week. The donation comes days after Point D’ecoute, another NGO successfully removed many children off the streets in Gisenyi.

Vedaste Gahinyuza, the coordinator Turengerumwana, said that the aid was a follow up to ensure that the former street children lead a decent life to avoid fleeing homes again.

"We appreciate the efforts made by Point D’ecoute to reduce the problem of street children. The organisation is doing everything possible to improve the welfare of these children. That is why we came to make a follow up and see the families from which these children were taken and give them financial assistance,” explained Gahinyuza.

According to Gahinyuza, Point D’ecoute is one of the key associations in getting children off the streets. The children are enrolled in schools after resettling them, says Gahinyuza.

"This is why we came to back up their efforts,” he said. He added that Turengerumwana Association will continue supporting efforts towards improving children’s welfare in the country by soliciting funds from local and international partners.

Aloys Kaberuka, Point D’ecoute’s coordinator observed that poverty in various households in Rubavu district was the main reason why children flee homes.

"That is why such households had to be financially supported to keep children at home,” Kaberuka said.

He thanked Turengerumwana Association for the support and called for continuous cooperation to tackle other challenges facing children in Rubavu.

Kaberuka disclosed that Point D’coute has so far enrolled over 40 former street children in various secondary schools and technical institutions in the district which he said was geared towards preparing them for a better future.

"The goats will not only bail us out of poverty but will also improve our living conditions by providing manure for our small gardens thus increasing our crop production. Our children will never go back to the streets,” said  Alphonsine Mukanzuzi, one of the beneficiaries.

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