Akagera Good Neighbors
Akagera Good Neighbors, a charity in Rwanda, focuses on addressing the issue of street children, locally known as “abamarine.” These children engage in gang behavior, grabbing belongings and disappearing into wetlands. Living in deplorable conditions away from families, many do not attend school. Initiated by Jean Bosco Bamuririmbe’s family as part of Akagera Neighbors Ltd’s corporate social responsibility, the program started in mid-2022, emphasizing sanitation, family reintegration, and re-schooling.
To combat the widespread issue of street children, Akagera Good Neighbors engages in weekly sharing sessions, addressing common challenges and incentives against staying in school. The organization believes in breaking the cycle by involving families through socio-economic schemes, keeping kids engaged with school and future employment.
Scrap metal hutting for a living
Mothers craft program
The program has identified and reintegrated 15 kids into their families, with ten in primary school and five in secondary school. Ongoing support is needed for school clothing, materials, fees, and consistent follow-up. Weekly lunches, counseling, tutoring, and coaching services are provided to build a foundation of good citizenship and responsible living.
Hygiene and sanitation services, including health insurance and medical care, are offered. Impact sustainability involves engaging families, especially women, in culture-based crafts workshops. The organization encourages saving with a purpose to meet ends and make investments, providing counseling, mentoring, and coaching.
Metal Health insurance and medical assistance
The program also addresses the issue of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Practical means are provided to encourage self-employment, discourage negative behaviors, and induce good citizenship, responsible living, and a saving-with-a-purpose (SWAP) scheme. Akagera Good Neighbors aims to create lasting change and break the cycle of street children through holistic and sustainable community development initiatives.