LEAF International (LI) and the YouTube and global phenomenon Playing for Change (PFC) are teaming-up to build a better future for Rwanda street orphans through the creation of The Intore Culture & Music Center in Kigali, Rwanda. INTORE was the word chosen by the LEAF Street Kids for their future center and troupe. In Kinyarwanda, the word “Intore” refers to a person who is desperate and hopeless and then GIVEN HOPE by a person or event. This new found HOPE gives strength to learn new skills, see life through new eyes, and become a better person and a leader. An Intore is a true hero. The LEAF Intore Cultural Troupe are vital participants in making this dream come to life. Visit INTOREMusic.org


So many GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS and steps towards a BIG FUTURE has happened for LEAF International Rwanda & The Street Kids:

The kids have formed themselves as a governement recognized non-profit " LEAF Intore Cultural Troupe".

"Boys have a new home! The Boys Loves you all!" Thanks to The Worrell Family, the kids have a HOME for the first time in years- many since 1994!.

LEAF International and the global phenomenon Playing for Change Foundation have partnered and are creating INTORE CULTURE & MUSIC CENTER which will provide job and housing opportunities to our street kids while building a better future for Rwandan Street Orphans

and...the Kids have even created the LEAF Intore Football Team

April 2009: The “LEAF Mizero Street Kids" are on a new beginning David and Jackson, the leaders of the street kids “brothers”, walked for miles in the rain to greet us at the airport with a missive, “You are the only hope for us as we have no one to care about our suffering… many thanks for keeping us in your heart while we were totally abandoned!”

Reflecting back to 2006, LI team went to Rwanda to set up our 1st music program to “empower youth through their cultural music traditions”. Our mission was clear; however, we believed we were going to work with orphans in a center. This was not the case - these youth live on the streets as a band of brothers and struggle daily for their basic needs. While LI does not provide basic needs, we advocate for housing and job training for these kids. Music cannot solve their challenges; however, the kids, mentors and LEAF believe and have proven that their LI music training and performing helps to heal, inspire, instills confidence and pride, give positive direction, and creates ways to earn funds. The LI program has brought positive mentoring adults, especially Celestine & Leonard, into these street kids' lives.

The drum is a symbol of strength and community. The kids and the drum mentor Leonard work together 3 sessions weekly and have big goals. "Their Dream Is To Become The Best And be an Example For The Many Street Children in Their Community. They are Performing And Learning Their Own Music From The Rwandan Experienced Drum Music And Mentor Leonard. Not does this Amazing Mentor Teach The Kids, But I Admire His Love, Courage, Hope And Skills He Instills To the Boys and he makes them Feel They Are Special!"
Peace, Celestin KAYITANA - LEAF International Volunteer Coordinator (who is amazing!)

See the LEAF Mizero Kids sing at LEAF International Banquet in their honor

LEAF Team in Rwanda Works Towards “Empowerment of Orphaned Youth through Music, Instruments & Mentors”

A LEAF team of 4 joined Rwandan performer Jean Paul to work towards empowering and helping to create healthy futures for two group of teen orphans: Mizero Crew and Nyanza Cultural Troupe. These youth, ages 14-18, lost their families during the 1994 Genocide. In the beautiful small country of Rwanda there are 1 million orphans. Orphans will play a vital role in determining the future of the country. As the MIZERO Crew sings in a song they wrote with Jean Paul, “We are the future of humanity, we are the world in our community”.
 
The LEAF Rwanda project, had a dynamic agenda to quickly make an impact on these youths lives. Drums, guitars, costumes, and MENTORING MUSIC TEACHERS are not part of these INPSIRING and IMPRESSIVE KIDS lives! Within 2 months, they have already performed for tourists groups and their “exceptional presentations” are creating possibilities. Music is such a powerful tool for self-esteem and emotional healing.