By RWIKAZA Gentil, Founder & Executive Director at Helping Heart Family Rwanda

My name is Rwikaza Gentil, a Rwandan by nationality, and I am the founder and Executive Director of Helping Heart Family Rwanda (HHFR). Established with a mission to promote and protect children’s rights, HHFR operates in alignment with both national and international human rights standards.

This journey began in 2020, during my time as a law student at the University of Rwanda, alongside a close friend who shared my vision. Witnessing the struggles of vulnerable children—particularly those living on the streets and unable to attend school due to a lack of basic resources—ignited a sense of responsibility in us.

The Humble Beginnings

Our initial efforts were modest but impactful. Starting with just 15 children, we provided essential school materials, enabling them to leave the streets, return to school, and reintegrate with their families. These small steps planted the seeds for what would later grow into a fully registered non-governmental organization with legal status in Rwanda.
Today, Helping Heart Family Rwanda is active in Huye and Gasabo Districts, continuing its mission of transforming lives.

Our Projects: Building Brighter Futures

Through innovative projects like Treat Every Child as Your Own and the Tumurere Yize Program (Let’s Raise Them to Be Educated), we have achieved significant milestones:

  • Empowering Families: Over 80 families have received Community-Based Health Insurance (Mutuelle de Santé), ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
  • Education for All: We have provided school materials to 30 former street children in Huye District, helping them return to school and reintegrate with their families.

 

 

Our Broader Impact

Since its creation, Helping Heart Family Rwanda has reached over 7,000 individuals through various initiatives, including:

  • Legal Aid Services: Offering support to vulnerable groups, ensuring justice is accessible.
  • Awareness Campaigns: Addressing critical issues such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and drug prevention through community outreach.
  • Youth Empowerment: Engaging 575 young people in programs that address poverty, health, education disparities, and gender inequalities.

What Drives Me

My passion for advocating for children’s rights stems from a belief that every child deserves dignity, love, and opportunity. Seeing the transformative impact of our work motivates me to continue fighting for the most vulnerable in our society.
This journey has not been without its challenges, but the stories of resilience and hope keep me grounded in the mission of Helping Heart Family Rwanda.

Looking Ahead

Our vision is to expand the scope of our programs and deepen our impact across Rwanda. By fostering partnerships with like-minded organizations, we aim to reach even more children and families in need, ensuring that no one is left behind.

At Helping Heart Family Rwanda, we believe that change is possible when we work together. Whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating for children’s rights, there is a role for everyone in this mission. Join us in creating a brighter future for all children.