Rwanda is a country which has had a difficult history. The genocide during the 1990s had a profound effect on Rwanda and may children in Rwanda today suffer as a result of what happened during that time. They need our help – and, for the last four years, Year 13 students have chosen to support particular children in Rwanda and raise money to give the the chance of a life and a future – and to shoe them that someone cares aboutthem.In the last four years, Little Heath Sixth Formers have madea real difference – and have transformed the lives of several children.
For Eric and Aline the money provided by Little Heath students has ensured that they now have a decent roof over their head, have regular access to decent food and can go to school, giving them the hope for a brighter future. They are unrecognisable now from the frightened, malnourished children we met 4 years ago – they are happy anf healthy.
Charonne is now getting an education , thanks to Little Heath students (you have to pay for education in Rwanda). He is able to go to school – and , as a result, has the chance of a brighter future. He is progressing well in his studies and he and his family are now much more secure.
Elijah is making very good progress. He and his brother were poisoned a few years ago… unfortunately, his brother, Noah, did not survive -but money you raised help to support Elijah’s recovery. He is now at school and doing well.
The money that our Sixth Formers raised this year has gone towards supporting Mugisha and Manzi (shown in the picture) in a number of ways:
We have repaired the house they live in (which was falling down) and made it habitable
We have bought some piglets to enable Mugisha and Manzi’s grandmother to earn a living and cater for the children’s needs.
We are paying for the children to go to school.
When we visited them, the only furniture in the house was one small bed. Every night Mugish and Manzi shared this bed with their grandmother and aunt who had a small baby. All 5 slept sideways on the bed with their legs hanging over the side. We have bought them 2 new beds (you can see Mugisha and Manzi playing on one of them) , some living room furniture and a solar lamp for lighting. Manzi jokingly told her grandmother that she would not wake up tomorrow because she was so excited to have her own bed with a matress and clean sheets.
It is one of the most precious things you do to show someone you care and to give of yourself to help others. Little Heath Sixth Formers have actually changed the lives of these children. On Friday 4th July, you, as Year 12, will have the opportunity to learn more about what happened it Rwanda, the effects on children and how you might be able to help another child who is struggling. I would urge you to consider being a part of the charity work that will follow – they need your help – YOU can make a difference.
Mr Linz