Rwanda - Les Enfants de Dieu (orphanage)

One big reason for me to travel to Rwanda was to check out opportunities to get involved in issues of social justice, reconciliation and sustainable social development. One project we visited was the orphanage named "Les Enfants de Dieu" (God's children), an association of street children in Kigali.

About the project
"Children of God", another Christian social project as many? Well, not quite. Describing themselves they state that "the organisation is secular, nevertheless it adopted God in its name to signify the protective qualities of all religions and spiritual movements." This self-description touches on an aspect that impressed me quite a bit: The freedom of choice and the opportunities to mature for each of the currently 94 kids: There is no particular religion preached, but the kids are free and encouraged to go to a faith community they like. They make up their own mind and can initiate any gathering themselves. If they do, they get every support possible.

This seems to be a foundational principle at Les Enfants de Dieu: Children are empowered. There are 7 departments, like "home affairs", "agriculture", or "sports and culture", each headed by one child called "minister of ..:", a "vice-minister" and 4 "technicians" - all of them being elected democratically. The ministers with their teams are responsible for making decisions concerning their departments. What kind of plants are planted in the garden, what sport events are organized or at which hour the TV has to be shut off at night - it is all self-governed by the kids themselves. Obviously, there is an adult "manager", whom the decisions are run by. However, he almost never changes decision but gives his input as requested by the kids.
I think highly of this approach, empowering the children to think and act responsibly. Les Enfants de Dieu is not a babysitting social project, but does rehabilitation and reintegration in a extraordinary way. Consequently, children are only there for 6 months to 3 years, coming from the life on the streets and leaving being fully integrated into society.

This is done in a three-step process: First comes POVERTY ALLEVIATION, where basic needs like food, shelter and health-care are provided. Next is REHABILITATION, which is the most transfomational stage and the key to creating future opportunities for the child. The rehabilitation program is based on three focus areas: Body (to live as healthily as they can through sport, nutrition and hygiene), mind (to relieve trauma, learn, grow, express themselves creatively and to develop talents) and spirit (to find their spiritual way regardless of beliefs). The last step then is REINTEGRATION with jobs to work and placed to live at.

Our visit and impressions
We were very warmly welcomed by the initiator of the orphanage (Faraz), the manager (Rafiki, left in picture) and the kid who currently is the "vice-minister of sports and culture" (central in the picture). The vice-minister received our gifts we brought (three soccer balls, see picture) with a happy smile - and immidiatly had another idea: The basketball court is quite muddy in the rain season. It needs pavement. His question was if we would consider helping them with this. I enjoyed it to converse with an about 12 year old kid thinking independent and straight-forward like he did.
After this chat we were shown the 4 acre land, which is arranged quite nicely but has also lots of room for further development. On the pictures you see the entrance gate, the dormitory, the kitchen, the fish farm and the sports field with the basketball field that needs major improvements - as you can see.

Les Enfant de Dieu really impressed me. What we saw left a mark on my heart. In my eyes it is very exemplary and has enormous effects on the lives of many children, changing their situation from a devastated, depressed and traumatized life on the streets to a state of maturity, health and integration in society. And all of this is only possible because of many helpers and supporters.

How to help Les Enfants de Dieu
You and me, we can help Les Enfants de Dieu in different ways and, when it comes to money, a small contribution makes alread a big difference. If you want to know more about how to support, e.g. the paving of the basketball court, click here:

Already 15 US-$ provide a child with nutritious healthy food for one month.
40$ provide a child with clothes and shoes for one year.
For 150$ one child's education is covered for a whole year,
and with 300$ the medical costs for ten children are met.

Little money already makes a big difference at Les Enfants de Dieu.

However, money is not the only way to help. Donating skills or time is also welcome. Right now they for example look for somebody to re-do their website. And in case you have special skills like cooking, health-related skills, handcraft and building skills, teaching, developing a database, etc. you have plenty of opportunities to help by visiting and working alongside of the kids.

Oh and about the basketball court: If you want to help providing the pavement for the court - any amount up to 4500 Euro will help - you can do so easily through EPIC-church and even receive a tax-reductible receipt (Germany). Just mention "helping Les Enfants in Rwanda" in your electronic money transfer and we will forward your contribution to Les Enfants. This is the EPIC account:

EPIC-Church e.V.

KD-Bank eG, Münster

BLZ 35060190

KNr 2100058017

 

SWIFT/BIC: GENO DE D1 DKD

IBAN: DE83 3506 0190 2100 0580 17