Almost each individual needs comfort most especially in times of sorrow or other related moments of life.
However, orphans at an early age need extra care for them to feel comfortable in society. It is important to socialize and mix with them to nurse their minds, emotions as well as enabling them to have hopeful mindsets.

Comforting orphans will give a true image of how the community considers and advocates for there rights and freedom. In this regard, orphans and other vulnerable children will also develop a sense of self confidence and be able to engage in community activities since they are not isolated.

Rwanda is placed among the countries with the highest percentage of orphans and vulnerable children, based on the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed over a million lives. 

As effects of the horrific period, one may believe nature to be against these young and old people who indeed have survive by the help of good Samaritans.

Sigri Stokke Nilsen is a Red Cross Youth delegate from Norway and will be offering voluntary services through Red Cross Rwanda until next year. Based in Butare, she says orphans or vulnerable children do not need a lot to feel special and loved.

She explains that it does not cost much to chat with them, telling interesting stories that mend their hearts to revive happiness and interesting moments.

"These children feel good when they interact with others,” she said.

She explained that in fighting the problem, efforts should be focused in areas that help these children lead a better lifestyle through engaging in society developmental program and that education must be at the forefront.

However she noted that for Rwanda, a lot is needed to support the big number of children unlike in her home country.

"There is much more effort needed in comforting children here given the big number because of the effect of the genocide,” she said. She added that in Norway orphans and vulnerable children mostly come as negligence or abuse of personal responsibilities due to alcohol and other related habits.

However, Harald Viken another Red Cross Rwanda volunteer has so far noted that although there is need for more efforts in supporting orphans, at least there is something to show from the efforts involved.

"I believe that the fight to give orphans hope in Rwanda has something to show although a lot more is needed,” he said during the Orphan and other Vulnerable Children (OVC) Camp activities at Bumbogo, Gasabo district where Red Cross Rwanda initiated the construction of 60 houses for orphans.

He also commended the system of orphans contributing to their fight for a better and desirable life style.

Lydia Mukanyana, 18, is an orphan among the many beneficiaries of the housing projects for orphans. She has been a volunteer with Red Cross Rwanda and she looks forward to seeing other orphans get homes like her.

"I now have somewhere as my address, having been among those who benefited from the housing program for orphans in Gisagara district,” Mukanyana said.

"My life changed, I feel good and relaxed to see that I have where I call home,” she added.

The fact that anyone can become an orphan, each one’s contribution in changing the lives of orphans to better and deserved standard however small it may appear, matters a lot.

Ends