NORTHERN PROVINCE

The European Union has pledged to donate Frw550 million to help heads of orphans households with Nkundabana Project.

The offer was made during the official launch of the Community Support and Mentoring for Orphans and other vulnerable groups (COSMO) project in Musanze District. 2200 orphaned children in four sectors will benefit in terms of psychological support, education and material support.

The COSMO project, initiated by CARE Austria with its Rwandan partners Haguruka and ARCT, aims at providing support to the heads of orphans households through the active involvement of mentors from within their communities called ‘Nkundabanas’.

The head of the EC delegation, Dr David MacRea, praised the three partners for their involvement and dedication towards the needs and aspirations of the vulnerable group.

"On top of your obligations, you commit yourselves day after day to do your best to help young people who have suffered great misfortune in losing their parents. Rwanda has known the worst not long ago, but through you, it is now giving its best,” Dr MacRea said.

Speaking during the function, the Minister in charge of Gender and Family promotion, Valerie Nyirahabineza, said that vulnerable children are economically productive and contribute to peace and reconciliation for the future of the country. She called for rights based approach and genuine participation of the community towards caring for the orphans.

A group of five heads of households select an adult mentor in their direct neighbourhood to serve as their Nkundabana, and he is expected to counsel and play a parental role towards these orphaned families.

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