CHABHA Supports Projects in Rwanda

In 1994 nearly 1 million Rwandans were killed in genocide. Many thousands of others, especially women, were infected with HIV during the hundred days of carnage.   After the genocide, thousands of perpetrators were imprisoned.   As a result of these calamities, of all the children in Rwanda, 20% are orphans.   Because so many people have died or been imprisoned, though many surviving adult relatives have taken in orphans, there are many families with no adults.   These child-headed households and the households in which the surviving adult is sick with HIV/AIDS have caused thousands of children great misfortune.   Many are living in deep poverty, unable to find food, without education, and with uncertain futures.

Many international and national NGOs are trying the make a difference.   CHABHA is working with four Rwandan projects that support orphans.   To accomplish our goals, we have formed a new office, an international NGO, CHABHA Rwanda. The staff of three young persons work closely with the children and the youth leaders of the projects. They are Eric Rwabuhihi, Director; Alice Uwera, and Justine Muyabyeyezu.

This photo shows a shack, one of thousands across the hills of Kigali.  On the right in the distance is a new brick building like many being built with new development money.   The contrasts are startling.

The CHABHA-Rwanda staff handle finances, meet with the leaders of the associations regularly, promote group decision-making, teach business practices, and participate with the leaders in direct services to the children.  In addition, they organize and administer Project Independence.

Please read the details about each of the four Rwandan projects: