Extreme poverty, among other reasons, forces many children to leave their homes and try to survive on the streets. Going by the tales of some street children, it is a complicated life that leaves them with different issues that eventually affect their physical and mental health. Visual artist Olivier Hodari Ganza discovered this sad reality when he took it upon himself to interact with the street children in his community. The situation of these children caught his attention while he was pursuing a career as a visual artist at Inshuti Arts and Cultural Center in 2020. He started approaching them and they eventually opened up to him, revealing how unhappy and hopeless their lives were. “These children don’t attend school like others. They barely get something to eat and do not have permanent shelter. In the lockdown period, I realised how harsh their situation was as everyone was at home, and they didn’t have a place to stay,” he says. These kids are vulnerable, from families that have been torn by conflict and poverty, which is what pushed them to live on the streets, he says. Now, through artistic talent, he hopes to see the children’s lives change for better. “These children need help; they deserve a bright future. I had a conversation with them and they promised me that if they got some basic needs, they would change and leave the street life. I informed the district officials about this problem and they promised to help but I couldn’t wait. I immediately took up the initiative to help them, only to find out that some of them are also artistically gifted,” he says. How it started Growing up, 26 year-old Ganza says he had a dream to use his artistic talent for meaningful humanitarian acts. Ganza is a visual artist who uses paint to make meaningful art pieces in different styles. His artworks are mainly based on African culture, society and daily human activities. He graduated from Ecole d’Art de Nyundo in 2015. Having seen the number of street kids increase daily in his hometown in Musanze District, he decided to find a way to contribute to the wellbeing of his community and the country at large. In May last year, the visual artist started an initiative dubbed ‘Art for Change’. The initiative started with the aim to support these street children with basic materials— taking them back to school and paying school fees, and helping them rebuild their life by supporting their talents to boost their living. “I believe that art is therapy, as it involves creation, feelings, and it helps people express themselves. Through art and crafts, they stay occupied, and it helps their self-esteem,” he says. Ganza organises art sessions every Saturday, where the children join him at Inshuti Arts and Cultural Center, and spend the day doing different activities including reading books, painting and drawing, making toys, knitting, and et cetera. “I had no idea about the amazing work these children can do, they are really good at it as they pay attention. Their artwork is captivating. I am looking forward to finding a lot of support for them. My goal is to reach all country districts and support these children,” he says. Currently, Art for Change has recruited 14 children, girls and boys, where Ganza provides them with 20 percent of the income made through selling his own artwork. He is also planning to showcase the children’s art for donation purposes. Beneficiaries share their views “I am really grateful for Ganza’s initiative. I enjoy spending Saturdays at Inshuti Art and Cultural Center. I spend time with other children, have fun, learn new skills, and much more,” says 14-year-old Leodomir Nzafashwanayo. “Before I couldn’t even hold a paint brush, but now I make beautiful artwork which I hope in the future will earn me some money,” he adds. The same goes for Jeanette Mukeshimana, who says that she enjoys knitting when she is at the center. “I used to play with crochets and needles but I didn’t have enough skills and material. I was very passionate about finishing my studies but poverty wouldn’t let me finish. I was sad and hopeless,” she says. The 12 year-old says that among many other things, she is grateful that the initiative taught them about the dangers of poor hygiene, especially regarding menstruation, while providing them with the necessary needs, like pads. “We thank Ganza for his continuous support. I am now clean and I am making different knitted items and some artwork too. I enjoy doing arts and having conversations with others at the center,” she says. However, Ganza reveals that among the challenges they still have, the shortage of materials to make artwork and different crafts is a big one. “The materials they use are very costly and not enough for 14 children,” he says, adding that they need more support to help these children as there is still a long way to go. For information on the initiative you can reach Olivier Hodari Ganza, the founder, on 0787-770-404. And on their Instagram page, art-for-change-street-children. The initiative has also given the kids a chance to continue with school. The children at the centre pose with their artwork. Some of the kids learn how to crochet. Olivier Hodari Ganza, Art for Change founder. 14-year-old Leodomir Nzafashwanayo makes a painting.
