Child sponsorship update from Byumba, Rwanda

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Byumba, Rwanda from November 2007

Dear Sponsor

I take the pleasure to transmit to you the annual report of SOS Children’s Village of Byumba in Rwanda.

Similar to last year 2006, we have 150 children in our SOS family houses but the demand for entrance in this SOS facility is high but the norm is 10 by each family and we can not welcome more children. Among these 150 children, 73 are boys and 77 are girls. We have 15 SOS mothers, 9 SOS aunts that cater for these children by providing them adequate education.

This year, we have welcomed 22 new children and the malnutrition signs they possessed by then no longer exist on their faces. The SOS mothers received our encouragements in that wonderful job and these new children have been well adapted to the new SOS environment.

We actually have 39 boys and 33 girls in our two SOS Youth’s Homes. 8 boys and 11 girls are now housed in the external youth’s homes where they live in two or three to share life in different apartments. All these SOS youths are educated by six educators; three for girls and three for boys.

Two grown-up SOS daughters, who completed their university studies, have already been married. To mention: Lilliane who got her degree in Social Sciences with a distinction was married on 11th August 2007 to government official. Clarisse was married to an employee in the National Police on 1st April 2007. The whole SOS Village family participated actively in the preparations of the marriage ceremonies of these 2 daughters and the two functions went on smoothly. The surrounding community also participated actively in these marriage ceremonies and to mention, the Catholic Bishop of Byumba District, the mayor of Byumba district and the government officials in the area. We are contented with our two sons-in-law who are respectful people.

Supporting children and communities at Byumba, Rwanda

The family strengthening programme advances normally. Among the 150 assisted children 24 are attending the secondary schools and they succeed well. The income generating activities proceeded on well under the supervision of the newly recruited coordinator of the Programme.

Our nursery schools and primary also admit children of the neighbouring environment. Our primary school always occupies the 1st place in the contests organised by the District.

For pupils presenting difficulties of training, we neither have specialists nor special programs for them; however for psychological cases of traumatism, we have international HANDICAP which deals with some of our children.

With its 2 nurses having A1 level and a male nurse having the Advanced 2 level and a Laboratory assistant, our medical centre gives appreciated services and care to its patients.

Despite the country’s positive recognised GDP(economic growth), some food products like beans, become rare on the market. SOS Mothers continue to face courageously the rise of the prices.

Also, this rainy season badly started and in Northern Region of the country, floods and the landslides ended in victimised citizens of the country. There were some deaths, injuries and some natives were displaced due to lack of shelter.

During the last the SOS International day, two SOS friends donated wonderful gifts to our SOS Children’s Village. The 1st donated to us some money and the 2nd donated a cow. They appreciate the action of SOS Children’s Village.

Dear sponsors, I think that with this report, you will be convinced that your efforts are not vain. On our side, we are fully committed that we shall never disappoint you in all your efforts.

Wishing to you the best of all and kindly receive dear friend, our deep heart-felt gratitude and our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2008.

RWABUHUNGU Callixte
Village Director