Nikuze Adrolata, a committed woman who spent 29 years at SOS Children’s Village Gikongoro in Nyamagabe District caring for vulnerable children who lost parental care, has received Helmet Kutin award.

The Helmut Kutin Award recognizes extraordinary performances of SOS Children’s Villages co-workers who care for vulnerable children and have laid the foundation for them to have an independent future in 136 countries where the organization operates. SOS mothers like Nikuze live with children in a family house in SOS Children’s Villages where they support the children’s individual needs and establish strong bonds with them like a biological mother.

Nikuze never got married and devoted her life to caring for vulnerable children until today. She was selected after successfully completing comprehensive six-month training on child protection and alternative care for children who lost parental care. So far Nikuze has cared for 53 children since 1992 when she joined SOS Children’s Village Gikongoro.

"I used to see such vulnerable children on the streets and some of them were my classmates. I was lucky to join SOS Children’s Village Gikongoro and dedicate my life to child care after hearing an announcement on radio looking for people interested in raising orphans,” she said in an interview with The New Times.

The Helmut Kutin Award recognizes extraordinary performances of SOS Children’s Villages co-workers who care for vulnerable children. / Photos: Courtesy

Nikuze said that she decided not to marry because by raising vulnerable children she feels like a biological mother.

During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, she fled with 10 children from her SOS family and lived in refugee camp in the SOS Children’s Village Bukavu, in the neighbouring DR Congo while other mothers from Rwanda abandoned their children to start a new life.

She cared for all children abandoned by their caregivers and even returned back to Rwanda with all of them- the children who were traumatized because of loss of their parents and siblings during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

She said they had to adapt to a new environment at the time food was also scarce.

"I decided to go with my children and keep them safe. We lived in difficult conditions and suffered together in a refugee camp. After four months, we returned home and I went on being their mother,” she said.

Nikuze returned with 20 children since she also cared for the other ten children abandoned by their caregivers.

"I thank my God that empowered me to care for all the children. When I see such vulnerable children growing up in healthy conditions and becoming mature, when I see them finally becoming independent as mothers and fathers it pleases me. All children I raised have grown up and are living better lives. They call me their mother, they visit me and I visit them, I attend their wedding ceremonies, it pleases me when I see their children,” she said.

Nikuze urges parents to assure their responsibility in raising their children.

"I was surprised by the award. I am happy that people have recognized what I have achieved in child protection,” she said.

Raised children speak out

Eric Uwimana is one of the children raised by Nikuze.

He joined SOS Children’s Village Gikongoro in 1993.

"I was raised in SOS Children’s Village Gikongoro because I was born when my mother had divorced. I was abandoned and got serious health issues such as speech impairment. I could not speak when I started nursery school in 1996. I was raised by Nikuze and am now joyful that I can now speak thanks to her. I started to speak when I was in primary 3. Nikuze has changed my life to the extent that I also compose songs,” he said.

Uwimana recalls how Nikuze cared for children in refugee camp in difficult conditions.

"I have finished my University education in land surveying. I do part-time jobs in Chinese construction firms. I was also recently married this year. I am a man with dignity thanks to Nikuze. I am happy that she got a recognition award for her devotion to childcare. It is our pride as children she raised in the SOS family in Rwanda,” he said.

In 2007 Nikuze managed to trace Uwimana’s family.

"Nikuze traced my family and linked me to the relatives of my mother and my father in 2007,” he said.

Eric advises parents to care for all children including children with disabilities.

Jean Bosco Kwizera, National Director of SOS Children’s Village in Rwanda, said that the award is a pride for SOS and Rwanda in general.

"She was first selected among top ten winners and later the first in the final selection. I call upon Rwandans to raise and protect children. This is a significant award inspiring care for vulnerable children. I call upon all people to have such a kind heart of supporting vulnerable children so that they do not become a burden to the community and the nation but live in a society that loves them,” he said.

SOS Children’s Village has been operating in Rwanda for 40 years and has childcare activities in Gasabo, Kayonza, Gicumbi and Nyamagabe districts providing alternative care to children and youth who have lost or who are at risk of losing parental care.

"We are telling Rwandans that there are vulnerable children that need support in various ways. If not we will continue to have street kids and delinquent youth. Every Rwandan in their capacity can provide any support including sharing information about vulnerable children,” he said.

Currently, the organization cares for 274 children, 315 youths in the four villages while 318 children have been reintegrated into the community.

Over 7,100 beneficiaries and 1,179 families are enrolled into Family Strengthening Programme aiming to support vulnerable families in their capacity to protect and care for children.