RWANDA: Vocational Training Centre
 Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa, with 55% of the population living below the poverty line. It is now experiencing the first generation of children who have grown up after the genocide, whose legacy is the prevalence of childheaded households. Read Caroline's report of her visit >> |
Since we started working in Rwanda, we have built more than 40 houses, a community centre, and a clinic in Ntarama, near Kigali, benefitting some 200 orphans of the genocide. The children are now well supported with vocational training, counselling, business skills training, English lessons, and the means to earn a living. Moving to MusanzeNow we are applying our experience to our project in Musanze, northwest Rwanda. Although it is well on the tourist map because of its mountain gorillas, by comparison to Kigali, it is poor, with little development. 65% of its population are children, with many living in child-headed households. Very few have access to education. Of those who do start school, many drop out because the schools are too far away or they cannot afford the school uniform, books or equipment. Their hunger makes it hard to concentrate, and girls often feel obliged to stay at home to look after their siblings. Vocational TrainingA recent survey of child-headed households identified that the children want training in vocational skills so that they can earn a living and support their siblings. In response, we have set up a community centre and vocational training centre. It is both a centre of learning, and a focal point for the community, offering a place to meet socially, as well as providing trauma counselling and HIV/AIDS education and testing. The education programme includes vocational training in marketable skills such as masonry, tailoring, carpentry, plumbing, and electrics. Classes in literacy, numeracy and IT skills are also offered, as is training on setting up and running small businesses. Join our fight for justice... Donate now >> |
