A visit by secondary level students who, at such a young age, feel a deep sense of responsibility to make a difference is profoundly impactful for the person being visited. This act of charity carries immense significance, particularly when we consider the sacrifices these young individuals have made on their own initiative. There is a woman out there grappling with the effects of addiction who struggles daily to afford basic necessities like food; and she is pregnant. Their compassion not only brings hope but also reminds her that she is not alone in her fight. — Purpose Rwanda
The objectives of visiting this woman were primarily twofold: first, the person being visited is a young adult living in poverty due to addiction, and second, to provide her with advice and support in the form of foodstuffs. This lady has one child and was also an expectant mother. The visit took place last term in February 2025.
What stands out clearly is that the visit was initiated because the students felt a connection to a peer facing the challenges of addiction and the significant consequences she endures. The lady has unexpectedly become the head of her household, not as a result of a rational choice but due to her addiction to alcohol and sex. The club undertook this initiative to visit a young person struggling with addiction to help her overcome the challenges she faces by providing counseling. The students expressed that they felt duty-bound to act because what they had learned from Purpose Rwanda empowered them to contribute to the fight against addiction through prevention and rehabilitation, just as they did on the day they visited the young woman.
The club learned about the woman through an inquiry they made with the office of the Executive Secretary of the Mukarange sector regarding individuals living in poverty due to addiction. She was identified as someone in need of support. Before visiting her as a whole club, the committee first went to her home to discuss her situation. During this meeting, she shared her life story, and we felt a strong desire to help her. Through our interaction, we assessed that she needed assistance. This assessment prompted club members to contribute money, allowing us to purchase rice, maize flour, soap, milk, and other food items for her. We also assisted her by cleaning her clothes, cutting the grass around her home, cooking for her, sweeping, and more. We recognize that, as a club, we cannot meet all of her needs, but what we provided was love, care, and empathy.
Supporting young people who are growing up with such critical values is a vital aspect of community development. The ability of young people to identify community problems such as addiction, poverty, child abuse, and domestic violence and advocate for solutions is something families and communities should take pride in and encourage. This process helps young people discover their life purposes, ultimately benefiting the nation, continent, and world. This is how transformation occurs.
The woman the club visited faces social and mental challenges: she was pregnant at the time, living in a small house with her young son, and struggling with food insecurity. She was unable to work due to her pregnancy and had dropped out of school in Senior 5. She also left her family home to live independently, seeking various relationships due to her addiction to drugs, including alcohol and sex, which left her without a permanent partner. As a 32-year-old, her primary concern was providing food for her son. She also suffered from depression and blamed herself for the difficult circumstances she faced, which were exacerbated by negative influences.
After learning of the woman’s struggles, the club president and members provided her with hope despite her challenges. We encouraged her to leave the past behind and focus on the future. We advised her to pray, reminding her that God is above every situation she faces. Some club members shared personal testimonies of family members who had faced similar issues but ultimately overcame them, illustrating that recovery is possible and that she, too, could lead an addiction free life.
On the day we visited the young woman, we were accompanied by the local authority, specifically the Executive Secretary of Bwiza Cell. He was pleased with the charitable initiative undertaken by Purpose Rwanda Club. The Executive Secretary appreciated that the students had the heart to help and thanked us, encouraging us to continue our compassionate work. He also promised to follow up on the condition of the woman after the club’s visit, expressing surprise and admiration for our efforts.
As a club, we were proud of our initiative to visit a young person suffering from addiction. This experience has inspired us to further participate in the fight against addiction among youth, as we understand its detrimental implications for us today and for future generations. We are committed to continuing this mission every term in different areas.
One thing is certain: there is a lot to learn from the initiative undertaken by this club. It indicates that if we all join our efforts and recognize the burden that addiction can place on an individual which subsequently affects entire generation, we can take meaningful action to change this situation. The president and the club leaders who visited the Purpose Rwanda office recently all agreed that, because of what they learned through the education and awareness campaign they attended and are now implementing, they vowed not to become direct victims of addiction.
What about you? What is your stance on addiction as you finish reading this article?
Together, we can build a Purposeful, Positive and Addiction Free Generation.
