The two small
countries of Rwanda and Burundi are situated in the mid-western part of Africa
between Uganda and Tanzania. In the last fifty years the people of Rwanda have
endured a most painful history of Genocide, government corruption, and
political conflict, but within this territory of our Salvation Army incredible
work is being done in the lives of God's children. Currently, the Rwanda and Burundi Territory have seven preschools that operate in rural towns, grassy fields, rented churches, and refugee villages. Most recently, the Rubirizi, Rubuye, and Runda preschools have been established in the last 6 months and are already seeing enrolment numbers of 50 and more!
In Rwanda and Burundi, preschoolers are
considered to be children from the age of 3 through 7 years old. In most
of the territory's seven schools, one or two teachers are responsible for up to
100 preschoolers within one room! Another difficulty facing the teachers
and corps officers of these schools is lack of payment - their salaries come
directly from the children's school fees. Regardless of a family's
ability to pay, the teachers and Corps Officers are willing to risk payment
because of their determination to care for and educate these children.
However
great these struggles may seem, they are overshadowed by the greater vision for
the future held by the teachers and corps officers. Plans for dance
competitions, new buildings, soccer tournaments, and teacher conferences are on
their hearts - but the Rwanda and Burundi Territory is in need of dedicated
sponsors to catch the vision and support the future of their children and
families.