Kicukiro: Over 100 Children of Conflict-Affected Families Thrive with the Support of “Hello Kids Ihumure”

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU

More than 100 children from Kicukiro District, Gatenga Sector, largely from families affected by conflicts, have been helped to leave street life, return to school, and reunite with their families.

This initiative, carried out by Friends of the Family (IZU) in collaboration with youth, the National Women’s Council, and local government authorities, formed a group called “Hello Kids Ihumure” to protect and support these children.

Eugenie Gahongayire, a member of IZU from Murambi Village in Nyanza cell within Gatenga Sector, explained that the idea for establishing “Hello Kids Ihumure” Club arose from the numerous challenges faced by children, including street life, dropping out of school, and family discord.

She said, “We began by organizing a program called ‘Akagoroba k’abana’‘Children’s Evening’ to gather information about their problems. Some children on the streets were taken to correctional centers, discharged, and then returned back into street life because they had no one to care for them. We brought them together, and we saw that some started to open up about their issues, while others went back to school, smiling and happy.”

The activities include meaningful discussions rooted in Rwandan values and culture, recreational games, dancing, drumming, and creating plays. The club also conducts home visits to understand why children run away and to find possible solutions, Gahongayire added.

She emphasized that additional efforts are necessary, especially in providing school supplies.

“Taking care of children and helping them recover from their emotional suffering is vital for shaping healthy Rwandans. We need support to provide them with school materials, and we want all children to attend school and remain there. Support should also go to families of unemployed children to help them earn a livelihood.”

Numutesi Gerardine, Coordinator of the National Women’s Council in Gatenga Sector, highlighted that the “Hello Kids Ihumure” group offers a safe haven for children without guardians, helping them find comfort and stability outside their families.

She said, “We created this group to provide children with what they cannot access at home—values and upbringing, educational support, and reassurance that life can still be good even if their parents are in conflict.”

Gerardine added, “This group has raised children’s awareness about the importance of education and reminded them that life continues despite family disagreements. When parents cannot resolve their issues, other caregivers and support systems can help. We can currently supply some children with school materials, and those still waiting should remain patient and hopeful.”

Egidie Mutuyimana, a parent of a child in the group, expressed her gratitude for how the program has helped her and her children heal from the trauma caused by ongoing parental conflicts. She shared that her family’s home was visited, and discussions with her husband proved fruitful.

She noted that family conflicts not only negatively impact children’s mental health and learning but also hinder family development.

“A family cannot progress if there is no communication. Children suffer when they lack school supplies, and home life becomes unhappy due to emotional distance. For example, if a child asks me for something and I respond, ‘Go tell your father,’ or vice versa, it cultivates resentment and misunderstanding, leading children down wrong paths,” she explained.