The challenge
The government considers it important that children receive an education from the age of three or four, but does not subsidise it… Parents therefore have to pay the school fees themselves, which means that the poorest children do not receive pre-school education.
Response
Sponsoring
That is why the sisters decided to select at least 30% of the number of pupils from the poorest families and to set up a fund and look for sponsors. For only € 12.50 per month, the uniform, school materials and a meal can be paid for a child.
Information about this support fund can be requested from the Foundation Friends of Sisters in Rwanda, e-mail: info@zustersinrwanda.nl
Training
With the parents efforts are made to create self-supporting groups to improve their living conditions. In other words, the parents form groups that meet regularly to discuss all kinds of matters concerning their situation. Each group has a piggy bank into which each participant deposits a small amount of money. If a participant has a good project proposal, micro-credits are provided from that piggy bank. The intention is that parents will hopefully be able to pay (part of) the school fees themselves, and, with that, other children can get help.
Amerongen –> Rwanda
During the stay of the group from Amerongen (see Dutch Newsletter Oct. 23), children afternoons were organized for the children of the support fund. What a treat to see the children playing sack races, jumping rope, playing football, coloring, etc. They also received lessons in brushing their teeth and all went home with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Project manager
Sister Emerthe Kankundiye
Duration
Long-term