WESTERN PROVINCE

Close to 20 children in Kibuye have formed a sporting association to help keep them off the street. The children will engage themselves with acrobatics and martial arts as some of the sporting activities.

Janvier Habimana, the association leader said their club will basically focus on acrobatics. Their first public appearance as a recognised club will be on the 1st of August 2008 at a ceremony to be attended by district leaders.

"We have always been asked by authorities about our initiatives where they can start helping us,” said Habimana. 

"This however doesn’t mean that we shall only engage in acrobatics, we have organised kits to teach people about HIV/Aids and other developmental activities,” said another member.

The children say they formed the club as responsible citizens who want to be associated with the country’s development.

They said that they want Kibuye residents to change their attitude towards them.

"On several occasions we have been accused of stealing, violence…. but we are now changing the image,” said Alno Harerimana.

He noted that the street behavior had ruined their chances of being helped by charitable people.

"We appeal to the Bwishyura sector authority and the government at large not to take our actions for granted, they should instead find a way of helping us because this is enough ability we have showed them,” added their leader.

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