By Regis Manzi | Country Director
Shelter Them continued supporting vulnerable children and families through our Inclusive Education and Learning Program. Although schools were closed, we ensured that children remained engaged, safe, nourished, and continued developing important academic, social, and life skills through our annual Holiday Camp Program.
The program reached 315 children and youth, including 222 students enrolled at Shelter Them Academy, 48 primary school students supported through partnerships with surrounding schools, and 45 secondary school students continuing their education through partner schools. Throughout the Holiday Camp, children participated in daily educational and recreational activities, and nutritious meals were provided every day to all participants, ensuring that children remained healthy, energized, and able to fully engage in the program.
For our youngest learners, 104 children aged 3–6 years in Early Childhood Development (ECD) and 114 children aged 7–12 years participated in activities adapted to their age groups. Through creative games such as the Tissue Challenge and Blindfold Bottle-and-Straw Challenge, children developed teamwork, communication, confidence, and problem-solving skills while enjoying a safe learning environment. The camp also created opportunities for children to discover their talents, with 20 children participating in painting activities, 40 children joining traditional Rwandan dance activities, and 25 children participating in karate training to develop discipline, confidence, and self-control.
Beyond recreation, the Holiday Camp focused on preparing children to become responsible and compassionate members of society. Students participated in leadership development, teamwork activities through cricket, life skills education, sexual and reproductive health education, sports, and values-based learning. These sessions helped children build confidence, understand their responsibilities, and develop skills needed for their future.
A special highlight of this year’s Holiday Camp was the weekly community service activity, where students practiced the value of supporting others. Together, they supported a vulnerable family who had started building their own home but lacked the resources to complete the finishing work. Through teamwork and commitment, the children helped plaster the living room and main bedroom of the house. With continued community support, the house is still under construction, providing a safer and more dignified living environment for the family.
Our family empowerment efforts also continued during this period. As part of our commitment to helping families become more independent, 50 mothers participated in monthly empowerment sessions focused on economic empowerment and financial literacy. These sessions provide women with practical knowledge on saving, budgeting, income generation, and financial planning, while creating a space for encouragement and shared learning.
The Holiday Camp demonstrated that education extends beyond the classroom. Through learning, creativity, community service, nutrition support, and family empowerment, children and caregivers are gaining the skills and confidence needed to build stronger futures.
We sincerely thank our GlobalGiving donors and partners for making this work possible. Your support allows vulnerable children to access education, nutritious meals, safe spaces, and opportunities to grow while strengthening families and communities for long-term change.
By Regis Manzi | Country Director
By Tao Gauthier | Country Director
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