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

The “LEAF Mizero Street Kids" are on a new beginning after a LEAF International team spent several days in Kigali with the kids and mentors. 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 where their basic needs were met. 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. LI also provides HEALTH CARDS so the kids get HEALTH INSURANCE. Music cannot solve their challenges; however, the kids, mentors and LEAF believe 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!)

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.