The sight of a lone young boy working in the fields alongside a rundown shack caught the attention of some travelers passing through the remote Rwandan countryside. Why wasn't he in school? Where were his parents? The travelers sensed something wasn't right and decided to investigate further.

After speaking with the young boy, the travelers learned that both his parents had been murdered. He was 14 years old caring for his two younger brothers, ages 12 and 9, as well as his 6-year-old sister. He spent his entire days cultivating the land in an attempt to feed his hungry siblings. They were barely surviving with no way out.

The deplorable conditions horrified the travelers who immediately sought help in the capital city of Kigali. Fortunately, they came upon the Salesians who offered to rescue the children from the countryside and provide for their care.

Today, the three young brothers are thriving at the Gatenga Youth Center (Centre Des Juenes – Gatenga) while their younger sister lives with a nearby host family.

If not for the concern of the travelers on their fateful trip through Rwanda, the young family of four was destined to starve without anyone knowing. And, if not for the generosity of our caring supporters, the Salesians could not have offered the gifts of a safe home and an essential education.

Thanks to so many generous people, we are able to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of suffering and forgotten children.

Source: Interview with SLM Christopher Joseph