The campaign of genocide saw widespread use of rape as a weapon, in a deliberate strategy to destroy the fundamental fabric of interpersonal relations in the community and to shatter the sense of security and identity of victims. Rwanda women and girls were subjected to brutal forms of sexual violence.  Those who escape murder were subjected to rape, gang rape, and rape with objects such as sharpened ticks or gun barrels and sexual stimulation.

Around 260,000 women predominantly girls, survived the genocide in Rwanda. The majority of these widows and orphans now live in desperate poverty and lack of proper shelter, education and the means to earn money to buy basic necessities such medicine and food. Many are still severely traumatised by their experiences of genocide, and feel guilty that they survived when their loved ones died. They often live with painful physical wounds from the genocide such as machete scars.

Many are dying because of lack of medication, general poverty, trauma and isolation. Many are running out of time, dying and leaving children orphaned for the second time.

200,000 children have been orphaned in Rwanda through HIV/AIDS, many forced to watch their parents die and face the possibility that they are too scared to get tested, do not understand why they are ill, or are unaware that they have been at risk.

Vocational courses enable young survivors to set up small businesses or procure jobs which pay a living wage.  A few such skills include: dressmaking hairdresser/beautician training, embroidery and cooking courses.

HSF works in partnership with The New Hope Technical Institute in Rwanda to provide Vocational Training for these orphan girls.

Today, the few surviving orphans of this heinous crime, often supporting themselves, need to go to school.  But beyond financial assistance, they need affection.  Through Vocational Training project, we want to be with them in memory of their parents who would have done better if they had not been killed. These orphans need a helping hand now otherwise they will miss out on education.

Won’t you make a commitment to support our annual appeal? Next year HSF is helping to acquire vocational skills for 100 orphan girls which will increase their job opportunities. Vocational courses enable young girls to set up businesses or procure jobs which pay a living wage.

HSF relies almost entirely on voluntary donations.  I hope we can count on you for a generous donation.  Every donation makes a difference, regardless of size.  Thank you in advance for your commitment to support the efforts of Hope-Education programme giving these orphans options (and a second chance, too) for a better way of life.

Budget summary

A gift of £300 provides vocational training for an orphan.  It will cost £30,000 to sponsor 100 orphan girls.  The courses are for 1 year.

Make a Donation today!