Generation HAPPI

The Search for New Sense of Belonging among Rwandas

Orphans
Manuela Khr
Graduate Institute Geneva
CEPA Symposium, Colombo
1
st
-3
rd
September, 2014
Noel Orphanage
Birls dormitory
Are Rwandas Orphans Generation
HAPPI?
HAPPI = healthy, with aptitude, patriotic, productive &
innovative
Rwandas youth bridge a gap between past & future
Official narrative: Orphans were not part of Rwandan culture
De-Institutionalization policy as means to development
Symbolism of orphanhood is tied to nation-building processes
Rwanda: Its History, its
Children
RPF stresses young peoples ability to overcome past
Children deeply affected by changes to Rwandan state over time
Genocide caused changing and evolving construction of
childhood/orphanhood
Since genocide, concentrated focus on childrens rights
Changing perceptions of what is best for children (focus on the
importance of family)
The DI Policy Problematized
Hopes and Homes for Children (HHC) oversee the unification
process
Concerns of Noels youth are not taken into consideration
Fear of becoming a servant at extended/foster family
No access to education/job
Fear of getting murdered
HHC stress family values over orphanage (reflection of
official narrative)
Before Leaving the Orphanage
Noel Orphanage offers great opportunities through
international support
The orphanage is better than a bad family (Orphan)
Family as economic opportunity, not emotional support
Lack of independence and fear of being rejected by
extended/foster family -> feeling of not good enough
The Role of Gender
Different repercussion for male and female orphans
No gender sensitivity by HHC or government
Girls are perceived second class citizens
Girls and boys inhabit their own social and economic spaces
Danger of sexual exploitation by sugar daddies and
others
Conclusion
Through nation-building practices youth becomes site of
emotional and political investments
Need to address everyday realities of Rwandas youth
Rwandas youth struggle to become full-accepted members
of their society
Orphans will not vanish from Rwandas social fabric
The End