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Philomene was 15 when the genocide took place. She lost both her parents and two brothers. She watched relatives killed and their house burnt to the ground. She was left to bring up three younger surviving sisters and three other relatives, including a baby born from a rape. Their house was so small three of them had to sleep in a nearby church every night because there was not enough room for them all to lie down. Philomene was introduced to Solace by a friend from her church. She says “This contributed to my consolation. Because of Solace every child became a believer and found a retored desire to live. I myself went back to school because of Solace”. Philomene and her family are now part of the Sponsor an Orphan or Survivor programme and receive monthly support. Because of this she is able to support her family much better and develop some fields (see picture where is shown on the right holding a cassava plant). Comfort Rwanda have also recently bought a new home for the family – big enough for them all to sleep in!.

Sponsor an Orphan or Survivor

It is estimated that some 300,000 children were orphaned during the genocide. Many were severely traumatised by having witnessed the brutal killing of their parents and other family members. The older children also found themselves responsible for the care of younger family members.

Since the genocide, orphan families have faced the most extreme hardship and many continue to lack even the most basic needs, let alone the fees and materials necessary to attend school. Some families are known to survive for days without food. The eldest child also faces immense pressure to provide for the family. They may also have no means to obtaining mature guidance or support. These needy families often live with the stigma and hardship associated with a family member suffering from AIDS and struggle to afford basic medical care. With a responsibility beyond their years, the orphans have been deprived of their childhood.

For many, the trauma of the genocide lives on. Antoinette, who was orphaned at 13 years old explains,

“I am the eldest of all the 11 children in the family. I must care for them, find food, send them to school and the most crucial problem I face now is accommodation. When I go to school, I am distracted, I cannot cope. When I remember the way my father died and the way my aunt died I am even deeper in sorrow. Moreover, the girl who was born to my aunt is now 7. She is HIV/AIDS. Most of the time she is very sick. It is too hard for me with 10 other children.”

That is just one of the thousands of stories of the struggles faced by orphan families. Comfort Rwanda, with our partners Solace Ministries, is committed to doing all we can to alleviate their suffering and show them God’s love. By sponsoring an orphan at £15 per month you can join with us in providing a family with daily food and shelter and the fees and materials needed to go to school. Solace also provides a parenting scheme to support, direct and encourage the families. Comfort Rwanda also supports others in great need such as widows with dependent children or other orphans. For example a 70 year old grandmother is supported as she has injuries from the genocide and is unable to support her grandchildren whose parents have died.

Constance’s story demonstrates the difference that the work of Solace has made in her life,

“I went to Solace Ministries and they received me. I was astonished by how they listened to me with care and compassion. They told me that they would do everything to help me. All I want to say is to thank God because he has been close to me during this difficult time.”

If you are interested in sponsoring an orphan or survivor click here (marking your donation SOS). You will receive a photo and information sheet about the orphan and his or her family and we will also send you an update on the family every 6 months.

Lee-ann from Airdrie finds out her support of Kamikaze paid for
hospital fees when she was desperately ill and probably saved her life.


Some of the orphans and young survivors being sposnored by Comfort Rwanda.


Survivors sponsored by Comfort Rwanda in their fields of pineapples and cassava.


Constance has now managed to finish her schooling aged 23 with the help
of her sponsorship. The six siblings and relatives she was bringing up were
only eating 3 times a week before the help reached them


Presents given out to orphans and survivors at Christmas.