SOUTHERN PROVINCE

NYARUGURU-  Over one hundred and sixty orphans and vulnerable children from Kivu sector, Nyaruguru district rejoiced as they received gifts for Christmas last week.
The party was sponsored by Abana project, a community based NGO that has been supporting education and health programs in the area since 2005.

A UN volunteer Jane Keenan sung Christmas carols for the children during the party that was held on Friday last week.
The cheerful children ate and drunk to their fill and showed off some of their new attire to the entire community including local leaders, parents and educationalist in the area.

Troy Aitken, the organiser of the event said that $2,000 (Approx. Frw 1 million) had been raised from oversees to assist children enjoy their Christmas.

"We targeted about 5000 children but funds were limited and only selected orphans and poor children. Besides the party, every child will also get free school fees and health insurance for next year 2008,” said Troy.

He added that: "Abana project aims at improving education and health programmes for children in the area and so far $6,000 (Approx. Frw3 million) has been raised with the help of Christine Murorunkwere, the project founder, to build eight classrooms” .

Local leaders urged parents to send children to school and prepare ground for better child welfare through family planning.

The education program is viewed as a response to the community needs as area also faces a problem of illiteracy among residents- with about 60% of the children attending school and 1% of the adults able to read and write, and limited access to schools.

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