Don Bosco Youth Education for All (DBYEA) continues to implement its mission of promoting education, protecting children, and supporting youth through various programs aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people across Rwanda.
On May 23–24, 2026, a DBYEA team led by Father Habanabakize César visited Nyakabuye Parish in Rusizi District, where they provided vulnerable children and youth with school materials, sports equipment, and assistance with school fees.
This activity aimed to help poor children and youth continue their education and reduce school dropout rates caused by poverty and social challenges.
NZANANA Emmanuel, one of the members of the team, said that this initiative is in line with DBYEA’s vision of building a community where every child and young person is given equal opportunities to study, grow well, and contribute to national development through education, civic values, and self-confidence.
Youth from Nyakabuye Parish expressed joy and gratitude for the support they received, especially the sports equipment and uniforms, which are expected to promote talent development and help young people participate properly in recreational activities.
Uwayezu Esawu, the representative of the youth in Nyakabuye Parish, said that the support they received solved some of the major problems that had been affecting youth teams.
He said:
“We used to borrow sports uniforms, and often they were torn because we did not have our own. Now the worries we had have been reduced, and we will be able to play while properly dressed and with dignity.”
He continued by saying that the youth of Nyakabuye Parish still need more recreational activities and sports infrastructure, including football, volleyball, and basketball fields, because these help young people avoid bad behaviors and other things that could destroy their future.
He also said that the parish has established various programs to reach out to youth, including church activities and the creation of choirs in each of the five centers that make up the parish.
Father Damasi Nsengimana said that Nyakabuye Parish was established in 2015 and has more than 16,000 Christians. He added that the parish collaborates with 11 schools attended by many children and young people.
He explained that although there are currently no volleyball and basketball fields, there are plans to build them so that young people can have places to practice sports and develop their talents.
He said:
“We sincerely thank DBYEA and its leadership for the support they have given us. The sports equipment has brought great joy to the Christians, especially the youth, because they will now participate in activities without feeling ashamed. It will help children come together and protect them from bad behaviors.”
This activity also became an opportunity to encourage young people to think about projects that can help improve their lives. Mutoni Damalse, a fifth-year student at GS Nyakabwende in the Mathematics, Economics, and Technology department, presented a project idea of raising chickens in order to help his family improve their livelihood.
After hearing about the project, Father Habanabakize César agreed to support it and also encouraged him to continue working hard in his studies, praying, maintaining good values, and collaborating with other young people to think about activities that would help them build a better future.
Father César further emphasized that DBYEA will continue working with Nyakabuye Parish and other different institutions in order to continue advocacy and support for vulnerable children and youth so that they can study and improve their lives.
He said:
“We will continue working together so that children and youth facing challenges can have opportunities to study, grow well, and build their future.”
Through collaboration with communities, schools, and various partners, DBYEA continues to demonstrate that education, sports, and social welfare support are strong pillars in building confident youth and a safe community.
