An NGO, Streets Ahead Children’s Centre Association (SACCA) is determined to bring to a close the issue of street children in Kayonza District.

Talking to The New Times, yesterday, the coordinator of SACCA, Valentine Mukamuyenzi, explained that the NGO has developed a successful programme of rehabilitating and taking the children back to school.

She disclosed that over 200 former street children have so far been rehabilitated. "We prepare them to pass the entrance exams for various grades. We help pay their registration fees, uniforms, scholastic materials, feed them and accommodate them,” she said.

Emmanuel Munyandinda, one of the founders of SACCA said the project was initiated in 2003 by concerned elders and parents in the district.

"Of course some children still reappear on the streets, but on average the challenge was reduced. Former street kids are now doing well in school,” he said.

Jean Bosco Ntirenganya, 17, a former street child said that SACCA has transformed him into a responsible person.
The S.3 student at Kayonza Modern School said he is performing well in science subjects and sees a bright future.

"I lived like an animal. Ate in rubbish pits and slept in the open. I was in a state of hopelessness…I never thought of the future for I never had the present. But now the sky will be the limit on my way to being a doctor,” he said.

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