The “mzungus” group is a team of people who met on an overland expedition during the summer of 2008. They all shared the same emotional experience which culminated in them deciding to do something to help a group of orphaned children in Rwanda. They have all committed to raising as much money as possible for the project and to return the next summer to put it to good use. Andy Kibby - your driver on this tour -  is the primary driving force behind the project.

The orphanage itself is situated on the outskirts of Ruhengeri, Rwanda. The aim of this project is to improve the immediate standard of the accommodation block that they already have on the site. Further to this, a new building will also be built on the site. Running water will be connected, as obtaining water for the children currently entails a 4 mile round trip on foot.

As a direct result of the water supply, sufficient sanitation can be provided. Security of the site perimeter will be heightened and outdoor play areas improved. Longer term objectives must be the improved health of the children, and education in basic schooling and life skills. A way out and a way forward will be the ultimate achievement for these children, initially by offering hope, and then direction.

Ruhengeri is a town in the Musanze district, located in the Northern Province of Rwanda. The town lies near Lake Bulera and the ‘Volcanoes National Park’ in the north‐western part of the country. This area is often used as the set off point for visiting the famous Mountain Gorillas. It is this passing trade, aided directly through a small network of professional tour operators and local guides, that we hope will secure a longer term funding source for the project, by offering tourists the opportunity to visit the children and see first‐hand what a huge impact a little help makes in such a place.

The orphanage is an extremely basic structure of very modest proportions. It is completely inadequate in every way in its function as home, school, playground and safe area for the 16 children and one adult who currently reside there. The “mzungus” group includes an experienced construction worker. Through his experience of some 15 years in the industry, he can tell that the structure itself is sound and will require little work to improve it further.

Move the children to temporary accommodation in a nearby convent which has already agreed to help us in any way that they can. If this becomes impossible, then a tented camp will be set up within the orphanage compound. The children will play as active a role in the work as possible. This will teach them valuable skills, and also offer them the chance to gain the self respect of achievement and teamwork.
Connection to mains water supply which fortunately is close by.
Sanitisation of current accommodation.
Re‐building of a kitchen room.
New toilets and shower block.
New doors and mosquito mesh and glass put in windows (currently open holes in the walls).
Re‐decorate accommodation block, with the help of the children of course.
Secure the compound fencing.
Create a more stimulating area for play, agriculture and outdoor schooling.
Construction of a new accommodation block, allowing more children into the orphanage and for the separation of boys and girls.

The final stages and the handover of the project will then be overseen by members of ‘Soft Power’, a charity who have been doing in Uganda what is being done in Rwanda. Please look at their website for examples of what can be done: www.softpowereducation.com.

Once the building is complete and all things are settled, the orphanage administration and day to day running will be entrusted to ‘Amahoro Integrated Development Programme’ (AIDP). They are the people who currently pay for the food and medicine at the orphanage. AIDP was created in 2007 to help protect the rights of some very vulnerable and marginalized children in Rwanda by giving them the chance to grow up and live with families, providing a safe and secure future. AIDP has the following mission statement; “To give hope to the children who are orphaned or abandoned by enabling them to grow up under stable conditions, thus ensuring they are getting all their necessary needs, so later

In the local area of Ruhengeri, there are 761 orphaned or abandoned children whose needs are described as urgent! With ongoing support we can dramatically decrease the number of children in urgent need and provide as much security and care for them as possible. It is estimated that the project aims can be achieved for less than $20,000 US Dollars. Here is a more detailed list of what the project hopes to achieve and the cost they will entail:

Kitchen and Dining block ‐ $7,500
Extra building for more children and separation of boys and girls ‐ $6,700
Renovation of current building ‐ $1,500
Additional land for farming ‐ $1,300
Outdoor play areas and garden ‐ $580
The ongoing costs for the project include $115 to feed 16 children per month. $30 will supply each child with school materials for a year while as little as $4 can provide a child with basic medical care for a year.