RUSIZI – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), yesterday, inaugurated an orphanage it recently renovated.The orphanage, located in Rusayo Centre, is home t over 300 children separated from their families.

"The work that has been completed will enable the children in the shelter to sleep well and to continue their education in a suitable environment,” said Cisse Tanja Timona, an ICRC delegate in Kigali who traces missing relatives with the aim of reuniting families.

The renovation works which included re-construction of house walls, painting dormitories, updating the kitchen and working on the water system cost Rwf13m.

ICRC also donated Rwf14 m in scholastic materials, mattresses, mosquito nets, blankets and bed sheets to the home.

The renovation that took eight months to complete saw Rusayo dormitories (26 rooms) and beds upgraded.
Adria Nyirabarima, the founder of Rusayo Home, hailed ICRC and other government entities for supporting the orphanage.

"ICRC is a long-time partner that has never parted with us. Be it school fees, scholastic materials, they often come to our rescue. I also thank the government for resuming with the aid they give to the home,” she said.

Rusizi District hailed Rusayo Home for its great work.
"Rusayo receives helpless children, right from one day old babies.

Not many orphanages can dedicate themselves to taking care of such infants,” said Francoise Nirere, the district Vice Mayor in charge of Social affairs.

Since 2007, Rusayo Home has been a transit for children who are reunited with parents through ICRC.

The home also takes care of orphans who have no one else on a more permanent basis. The 300 children in the home include infants, teenagers and youths, some of whom are attending university.

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