Alivera Centre, Rwanda

The Alivera Centre at Ntendezi in the Kamembe district in south west Rwanda is designed to house, care and teach physically and mentally handicapped children in the area. These children are often abandoned with no education, skills or hope.

 

There are two sections to the centre.  The first part of the scheme Ben designed housed facilities that can accommodate 50 children full time, with a range of teaching, nurturing and physical and mental treatment spaces along with living, sleeping and washing accommodation. The project comprises a number of sustainable ideas such as composting ‘long drop’ WC’s, the waste from which can be used on their farm as part of the teaching programme.

 

The other part of the centre is for young adults who have graduated from the children’s centre. Using their new found education, work related skills and confidence, the centre provides living and work spaces so residents can develop further, interact and ultimately fully integrate with the wider community. The centre offers farming areas, a café and social spaces as well as shops so that the residents can sell their home made goods and demonstrate their abilities.

 

The project has been a huge success and is changing the attitudes of the locals. For the children and young adults who live and work in the centre, they have hope and a chance for an independent life.

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