The Daughters of Charity mobilize to provide schooling for poor children in Kigali

The Daughters of Charity arrived in the Kicukiro region (near Kigali, Rwanda) in 2002 to respond to the urgent needs of the poorest. They have also set up the Saint Vincent de Paul nursery and elementary school in one of the city's districts, which has 420 pupils from all walks of life.

"In our country, the number of poor people is increasing day by day and life is becoming more and more expensive. Lately, prices have been rising at the market. Poor families on the outskirts of the city live on occasional, precarious jobs, and can't find the means to cover their children's schooling needs, including food."

These are the people to whom the Daughters of Charity give priority in promoting their children's education.

"That's why we decided to give a full meal to the children of these poor families. Being hungry, they don't keep up with their studies. Teachers report that they are tired, sleep all the time and their school results are poor. They feel self-conscious and withdrawn.

These children from poor families are also too frequently absent or drop out of school, especially when they are weak and live too far away."

The project: providing 250 primary school pupils with a good-quality, balanced meal every day 

"Through this project, a well-balanced meal cooked in the right conditions will be offered to them, and poor children will benefit more. This school meal includes: a small snack at around 10:00 a.m. and a full meal at 1:45 p.m."

Helping children who don't get enough to eat will make it possible to :

- Be able to concentrate in class 

- Reduce school absenteeism and encourage them to continue their learning process

- Help reduce illness and ensure their physical growth and alertness

- Relieve families worried about providing for their children.

"We have started working with families to encourage them to increase their contribution to their children's catering. We will also involve local authorities to help find vegetable gardens."

Thank you for your support in helping us provide them with this essential meal as soon as possible.