Saving vulnerable children from life on the street

Beginning March 2^nd, Root Foundation introduced a series of workshops for children and the community on COVID-19, and enforced preventive measures of constant hand washing and Safe Greetings at the center. After the first Corona Virus case was reported in Kigali-Rwanda on March 15th, considering that the center receives over 300 children, Root Foundation decided to close the children’s center to enforce the prevention measures. On March 21^st, the Rwandan government ordered a total lockdown. On April 7^th, all Rwandans started the memorial week of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. This is normally a tough week but was even more difficult for many families during the lockdown and the rain floods that hit all parts of the country.

The attached report outlines the actions taken by Root Foundation between March and June 2020 to respond to the challenges which resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, and discusses the post-lockdown crisis response plan.

Challenge 1: Starvation and depression during lockdown & rain floods

Response: Foods Distribution during the lock down & Home Assistance during floods

Challenge 2: More vulnerable children are at a higher risk to go to streets as schools remain closed until September.

Response Plan: Academic Assistance and Extension of personal development services (June – December 2020)

Challenge 3: How to help many vulnerable families recover from a financial depression.

Response Plan:Creation of more income generating opportunities and peer counseling for 100 mothers. (June 2020 – June 2021).

Links:

• Root Foundation Facebook page
• Root Foundation's website

• Root_Foundation_Covid19_Response_Report_June2020.pdf (PDF)