Nyiraneza Jeannette, a child living in Kimuna Village, Kirambi Cell, Rusatira Sector in Huye District, is one of the children who endured a difficult life after losing both of her parents. Her father passed away on June 6, 2022, and her mother later died of breast cancer on June 5, 2025, when Jeannette was in her second year of secondary school.
Jeannette says that after their parents’ death, she and her six sisters, together with two children born to her older sisters, were left as eight orphans who survived by doing casual labor (“guca inshuro”) to make ends meet.
Jeannette said:“We lived in very harsh conditions. Our house had collapsed, and whenever it rained, we had to find a dry corner and spend the night standing. But now, we are happy because we have a new house. We can now work without worrying about the rain or strong winds.”
Tuyishimire Clarisse, the eldest in the family, who is 25 years old, said she struggled greatly to raise her younger siblings and the children born at home.
Clarisse said:“Living without a proper house was very difficult. Now we are happy to have a safe and decent place to sleep, which gives us hope for a better future.”
Neighbors of the children said they had previously been living in heartbreaking conditions. Niyonsenga Jeannette, one of the neighbors, said it was painful to see orphans living in such a miserable situation.
“Whenever it rained, we feared the house would collapse on them. Now we are happy because they have a safe and secure place to live,” she said.
Furaha Mariya, a 60-year-old woman who also lives nearby, said that seeing the children receive a new house was an act of compassion and love.
“We knew how bad their living conditions were. Seeing them get a new home brings us great joy,” she said.
The house was built by route match group, a football team based in Huye and Gisagara districts. The team, composed of 82 members, has been active for five years and engages in sports activities with a mission to help vulnerable citizens.
According to Ntivuguruzwa Augustin, the team leader, they made the decision to help after witnessing the children’s situation while they were out training.
“We saw their house was about to collapse, so we decided to build them a new one. We launched an internal fundraising drive each member contributed what they could, such as iron sheets, cement, and nails to ensure the orphans had a decent home,” He explained.
Nshimyumuremyi Laurent, the Executive Secretary of Rusatira Sector, praised route Match Group for their remarkable humanitarian act, noting that it prevented what could have become a serious tragedy.
“These children had been listed among families to be supported with house renovation, but route match stepped in before the situation worsened. This is a true example of patriotism and compassion.” He said.
He added that the new house is worth over 3 million Rwandan francs, and the children were also given food supplies to help them start a new life in a modern and safe home that reflects the vision of a Rwandan citizen who lives securely and with dignity.
“We encourage them to live peacefully, continue their education, and work hard to build a brighter future,” He added.
This act of generosity moved many local residents, who praised route match group as a model for helping vulnerable people through sports, emphasizing that: “Sports are not just for the wealthy; they are a way of life that should promote the well-being of every citizen.”
Beyond building a home for these orphans, members of route match group say they will continue undertaking activities that improve the lives and welfare of citizens.
