The diversity of the Rwandan culture has attracted many across the globe. The RwaMakondera (horns in Kinya-rwanda) Children’s Dance Troup aims at pushing Rwandan art further to the international levels.

This group comprises of children especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Most of them are orphans who were formerly on streets. However not all is miserable and grim! These children have finally found a pillow to lay their heads on.

"Because we don’t have parents we used to sleep along side roads and we could beg tourists around Novotel for money so that we buy things to eat”, said 7 year old Niyonkuru Jean Paul, one of the orphans.

Ngabire Diane-9, Shema Furaha-8, Uwikirora pascal-10 are some of the orphans who believe that RwaMakondera is a blessing from heaven.

When asked what motivated him to set up RwaMakondera a group that is affiliated to , Ivuka Arts Founder, Collin Sekajugo had this to say;” I was moved to help these youngsters by teaching them skills that could help them earn income.” 

He also added that, "I quickly organized a cultural based dance troupe which provided them enough skills and brought them together as loved children. So it in a way helped them to heal psychologically”.

Sekajugo an artist by profession realized that if he placed these children in such a community, it would nurture their talents and give them a platform for self-expression. 

By training under caring adults who take a genuine interest in their well-being, these youngsters are given a renewed sense of hope and possibility for their future.

According to Sekajugo, RwaMakondera is founded on the belief that every child – including the voiceless and under-represented – has an important message to share.

Rwamakondera has performed at a number of shows. Most recently at the Exclusive Art Exhibition of International Artists featuring Janet Wilson from South Africa, which took place at Heavens Restaurant in Kiyovu. 

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