Nkundabana Initiative for Psychosocial Support

CARE Rwanda has implemented the Nkundabana1 Initiative for Psychosocial Support project (NIPS) for orphans and vulnerable children and youth (OVCY) since 2003. NIPS added educational and psychosocial components to CARE’s initial support for OVCY, which included food, income generating activities and HIV/AIDS training. NIPS is a communitybased approach for supporting OVCY operating in five districts and two towns of the former Gitarama province. Youth participants consisted principally of child-headed households where the head of household was 21 years or younger. The program’s overall goal is to ensure that “vulnerable children are economically productive and contribute positively to peace and reconciliation for the future of their country.” To achieve this aim, the project relies on trained community volunteers, Nkundabana, who provide guidance and care for children living without adult support through regular home visits. Community acceptance and support of Nkundabana are also integral aspects of the program.