Editor,

I wish to respond to a letter by Michael Murenzi, which appeared in yesterday’s issue of The NewTimes  about the former street children, who are due to graduate from Iwawa Rehabilitation and Development Skills Centre.

When the story of Iwawa first featured, self-styled politicians and some sectors of the western  media criticized the government as being insensitive to these children. Months after unwarranted accusations, the story is now different.

 These children have been rehabilitated and given skill in carpentry, commercial farming and bee keeping. My own brother is among these children and has changed.

In a nation rebuilding itself  based on hope and forgiveness, we cannot afford to leave our youth to keep loitering on the streets. We had a turbulent history and if they are not supported, their lives may be wasted.

Yes, the positive fruits from Iwawa Island will surely shame Rwanda’s detractors who had described the Island as a place of torture.

I appeal to fellow Rwandans that once these children are back in our communities, let us extend a hand of help to them.

Eugene Kabahizi
Gasabo