Eleneus Akanga
30 December 2005
Kigali — The Foundation for Peace, Sports and Culture (SCPF) that operates in the Great Lakes region has sent to school 1,160 former street children and vulnerable kids. SCPF has fully sponsored 40 of the children, according to Dr. Louis Munyakazi, the foundation president who was addressing a press conference on their activities and road map held at the foundation's main offices in Kigali.
"It's three years now since the foundation started. We started with only five children, but we now have 1,160 different in schools. From one district, we now cover five, availing vulnerable children with education and we will continue to do our best," noted Munyakazi.
The foundation has spread activities to Gisozi, Kanombe, Kicukiro, Nyamirambo and Nyarugenge city districts. Plans are also underway to extend to other districts around Kigali and spread countrywide when the foundation gets more funds.
"The vulnerable ones are not only in Kigali, but also around the country. But this will depend on the availability of funds. Extension is one of our priorities," he said.
They use sport and culture to promote peace and reconciliation to educate children on how to be peace promoters. Other goals are to provide opportunities to acquire school-based skills to vulnerable children.
Charles Nkazamyampi, the foundation's secretary general, pointed out that their mission was to find a way of uniting children through culture and sports.
"Sport is the only best option that can bring people together. We are not specifically looking at our children's success at national level, but also at imparting morals and discipline," he said.
About 870 young footballers between 5 to 15 years of age are being trained. Others are thirty track, field athletes and sixty two young boys and girls who are being trained in cultural dance and drama.
They have recruited more than 30 coaches to train the children, according to Mutesi Gasana, the SCPF Public Relations officer.
"The foundation also organises debates and discussions each week on various themes relating to peace and reconciliation, tolerance, HIV/Aids and sexual violence. Thirty children are being given meals on a daily basis. We are soon taking our activities to Burundi and we have already made contacts with the Burundian Youth Minister," said Mutesi.
Other projects to be set by the foundation include a scholarship scheme and a medical care project for the children. It will also set up a children's rights advocacy project and help to initiate a cultural troupe in each sector around Kigali city.
Meanwhile, the foundation recently hosted a Christmas party for children at Mumena Stadium. This was after holding sports activities between different district clubs. The competition had been going on since 10th this month.
The ceremony was marked by presentation of trophies to the best performers and winning teams. In football, the trophy was awarded to Nyamirambo district youth, with Kicukiro being crowned the runners up. The crowd at the function was also entertained with meals, dances and songs.
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