Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa. More than twelve million people live in an area smaller than Brandenburg. In 1994, one of the bloodiest genocides of the 20th century took place here. One million people fell victim to it. The genocide, the traumatization of large parts of the population and the mass displacement and subsequent return of over three million refugees have set Rwanda's development back considerably.
The plight of the population - land of widows and orphans
Rwanda has made great economic progress since the atrocious genocide in 1994. Nevertheless, life expectancy is still only 68 years. Over 40 percent of Rwanda's population still live below the national poverty line.
This is due to the large population. Because there is little industry and no other significant resources, there is a lack of jobs. Although most people still make a living from agriculture, there is a great shortage of land and the yields are not sufficient to meet demand. Food production only covers 80 percent of demand, which means that regional and seasonal famines occur time and again. Chronic malnutrition prevails in many areas.
The women impoverished by the genocide are particularly affected. Many of them were raped, tortured or mutilated. Crimes of violence and abuse were deliberately aimed at destroying the women's bodies and souls. Traumatized and often infected with infectious diseases such as HIV and AIDS, they live in seclusion and misery.
Project work
Together with the Rwandan organization "Solace Ministries", ora Kinderhilfe helps children and families in eight regions: Runda, Kabuga, Nyagasambu, Bicumbi, Rugarama, Jali, Jabana and Nyamata. We support communities there. These are groups of widows and orphans who voluntarily undertake to stand up for each other. They share worries and hardships, help each other in everyday life and pray together. This has given rise to surrogate families.
We help in the fight against poverty in a variety of ways, but above all with income-generating measures. There is an agricultural project that supports women in earning a living. We also grant microloans to help women set up their own businesses. In Kabuga, for example, this is a tailoring business.
We also help to secure their livelihood with animals. Pregnant cows, goats and chickens in particular help the women. They provide milk, fur, eggs and meat. The women use the produce for themselves and their children and sell some of it on. In this way, a small economic cycle gradually develops.
Many women and children also receive psychological help to deal with the traumatic experiences of the genocide. Their children are enabled to attend school. There is also a medical care center where outpatient treatment takes place.
Our project partner
Solace Ministries provides holistic support to poor families in Rwanda. This includes trauma healing work, programs to strengthen families, subsidies for health insurance and educational support. They also organize vacation camps. In addition to dancing, games and shared meals, important topics are also discussed. Among other things, the young people are made aware of the problematic system of sugar daddies / mommies. Older men and women seek out young people for sex in exchange for gifts and money. Teenagers and young adults from disadvantaged families in particular see this as a supposedly simple solution to their financial problems and often slip into exploitative dependencies. The problem exists worldwide. It is therefore all the more important that they are made aware of the dangers at an early age.
Sponsorship program
We have been involved in Rwanda since 2006. There are currently over 450 ora sponsored children in our program. They are provided with all the necessities of life. They go to school, receive clothing, school materials and, if necessary, medication. We would like to help many more. Help us to do so. Fight poverty in Rwanda together with committed partners!
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