Medical cover for Akagera kids
My name is Monique, and I have been involved with Akagera Good Neighbors in Rwanda for two years. This is a local NGO that works with street children and their (foster) mothers. The photo shows all the children in the program, together with founder Jean Bosco, his wife Divine, and volunteer Laura. Last summer, all the children underwent medical checkups by a doctor and nurse from the local health clinic. Where necessary, medication such as antibiotics and paracetamol was administered.
Ten children were referred for further treatment, but so far nothing has happened. All children have mutuelle (health insurance), but it does not cover all costs. A referral means traveling and/or staying at another hospital, together with a family member. The costs of transportation, meals, and sometimes medication or surgery still have to be paid for by the family. The (foster) mothers are unable to do this, as they already struggle to feed their families on a daily basis.
The children have been referred because of eye problems (including cataracts), painful bow legs, and hormonal breast development in two boys.
These problems make daily life even more difficult for these children, and I hope to be able to take them to the hospital in 2026 so that they can enjoy sports and dancing again. Being able to do so will make a big difference in their lives.
The costs are estimated at around €800.
Support Yvonne: Help Her Escape Pain and Build Her Future
Hello, my name is Marcel, and in September 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Rwanda. During my trip, I came across the remarkable NGO project “Akagera Good Neighbors”, which is doing incredible work caring for street children. One of these children is Yvonne, who is 18 years old and currently in her third year of high school.
Yvonne should have been studying by now – that was always her big dream. But life threw her a difficult challenge: at the age of 9, she became seriously ill and spent a long time in the hospital. Despite extensive treatments, her illness was never properly diagnosed or treated. When she was finally released, the long walk to school was a huge burden. The one-hour walk was extremely painful for her, and she could only attend school irregularly. Even sitting or standing for long periods caused severe pain, and sometimes sleeping was nearly impossible.
In September 2024, Yvonne finally found her way to “Akagera Good Neighbors.” There, she was able to see a doctor who gave her a devastating diagnosis: both of her hip joints are severely damaged and need to be completely replaced. However, for Yvonne and her family, these surgeries are financially out of reach.
This is where you come in. Help us free Yvonne from her pain and give her a chance at a future. Yvonne dreams of studying medicine and becoming an orthopedic doctor to help other children who face similar struggles.
Every contribution – whether in euros, dollars, or any other currency – makes a difference. Together, we can give Yvonne the opportunity for a pain-free life and a bright future.
Thank you for your support!
Marcel