As a result of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has one of highest percentages worldwide (17%) of children under the age of 18 living as orphans. The Rwandan genocide in 1994 left thousands of children without a single living relative. Similarly, the genocide left countless households barren of children. The Rwandan non-governmental organization Ndiho-Revivo has been working to connect orphans with single parents, childless households, or other orphans. This effort increases self-esteem, chance of survival, and access to education for countless Rwandan orphans.

Projet San Francisco, RZHRG’s first research site, was established in Kigali, Rwanda in 1986 and forced to close in April, 1994 due to the onset of the genocide. Dr. Allen and many of her Rwandan staff were able to evacuate the country and relocate the project in Lusaka, Zambia. Projet San Francisco was reestablished in Kigali later that year. Having spent eight years in Rwanda, Dr. Allen understood how great the impact of the genocide was and would continue to be on the children of Rwanda. Along with her husband, Dr. Eric Hunter, she established the Rwandan Orphan Fund to counteract those deleterious effects.

The Rwandan Orphan Fund’s sole purpose is to provide financial support for school fees and related expenses (uniforms, books, paper, pens and pencils) for Rwandan orphans. Members of Ndiho-Revivo identify households in their neighborhood which consist either of single or married adults who have taken in orphans, or children-led households with several children living together that are in need of assistance with school fees. Typically, these children do not have access to the assistance provided to orphans in institutions such as refugee camps, displaced persons’ camps, or formal orphanages. Approximately $180 is needed to cover the annual school expenses of one child. Photographs, report cards, and when possible, letters from the children are provided to the Rwandan Orphan Fund by Ndiho-Revivo.

The Rwandan Orphan Fund is a registered, 501(c)3 tax-free corporation in the United States. Zero dollars go to administrative costs to maintain the organization and all board members are volunteers. Every cent of every donation goes toward educational expenses. Currently there are 58 children who are sponsored by the Rwandan Orphan Fund.

The Rwandan orphans can use your help. Any donation, large or small, contributes to the building of an orphan’s future—an orphan whose past has been more painful than most will ever be able to comprehend. If you are interested in assisting the Rwandan Orphan Fund, or you know someone who might be interested, please contact us at rzhrginfo@sph.emory.edu. Use subject heading "Rwandan Orphan Fund."