The selfless hearts of the students of Groupe Scolaire Camp Kanombe

When one of their fellow students was sent back home for not having a school uniform, it touched their hearts. Ejide, Sullivan and their classmates organized and raised some money and bought the needy boy a full school uniform. When other students heard about it, they felt compelled to join and lend a helping hand to other students who weren’t well-off.That’s how the spirit of sharing and helping was reawakened at this humble school. The student leaders approached the school head and asked him to help them identify some of the needy students and give them permission to fundraise within themselves.“We are not from rich families but we know that with the little we have, we can make a difference in many of our fellow students lives,” said Ufitinema Ejide, one of the boys that started the noble deed.Within a few days, they managed to collect some money, those who couldn’t give money gave clothes they no longer wore, shoes and even asked their parents for food like rice, beans ,maize flour and other items like soap etc. “Some students contributed as little as 50 francs but you could tell it was straight from their hearts,” said Hazitayezu, the information prefect.25 needy students were listed; some of them orphaned and others from poor families. The money that was collected was used to buy exercise books, pens and other scholastic materials.Although this may seem like an insignificant gesture, to 12 year old Niyomungeri Daniel, one of the beneficiaries, it was a life changing experience. He received two pairs of shoes, four shirts, three shorts, books, pens, food and sugar.“These are the best shoes I have ever owned,” he said with a sweet smile. It was the happiest moment of my life and I am so grateful!” Mushimiyemana Violet, another beneficiary expressed her joy, “I didn’t expect anything like this from fellow students, it has taught us that you don’t have to be rich to help, no matter how poor you are, you can still help and put a smile on a needy person’s face.The students vow to continue helping each other and even plan to stretch their helping hands and help old people in their area. “We plan to help old people with domestic chores, we will be glad to help them with basic stuff like buying them soap, salt and other basic things,” said Ejide.Groupe Scolaire Camp Kanombe is located at Kanombe near Kanombe Military Hospital, behind the Military Court.