A new program
has begun at Imbabazi; Family Reunification. It is in response to the Rwandan
government mandate to place orphans with families in the community. The
government is working with orphanages to ensure compliance with the new policy.
Imbabazi identifies family
environments in which children can be placed including distant relatives and
surrogate families. We have qualified staff members who visit families before
and after reunification to ensure living conditions are safe and satisfactory
and that the child is adjusting well. We only place children in secure
situations where they will benefit from being with a family and living in the
community. Upon reunification, Imbabazi continues to support their education
and personal needs and provides financial assistance to the family.
Most children at Imbabazi
have several distant relatives and visit them on a regular basis during the
school holidays. We are happy that they already have a relationship with their
relatives.
The
children of Imbabazi will forever be a family. They are always welcomed to come
back and visit and often do especially for our yearly memorial to celebrate
Roz’s life. Our independent young adults
have even started a group called Reba Kure – which means “look beyond.” This
group is meant to keep the Imbabazi family together and support each other.
We are
deeply committed to the children as well as Roz’s vision and legacy. Even
though our residential orphanage activities are coming to a close; we will
continue to support and care for all of Roz’s children until they graduate from
school and find jobs. Our sponsors are very important part of this process.
Imbabazi’s
future is very bright. Our goal is create new and support existing educational
programs for children and young adults in our local community. The
Roz Carr Cultural Center (a special building on Imbabazi’s property) houses our
first educational programs; English classes and computer lessons. These
programs are just the beginning!
More information to come.
Please contact our Executive Director, Devon Kuntzman, at devon@imbabazi.org.
All of
Imbabazi’s activities are made possible by our generous supporters. Thank you
for continuing to make a difference in the lives of children in Rwanda.
