ABSTRACT

Street children is one of the most pressing problem faced by Rwanda. It is actually 30,000 street children in Kigali. This number is really worrying and the government of Rwanda is critically handling this issue. The researcher carried out the study on the factors that influence the number of street children in Kigali (Kacyiru street children centre)./ The objectives of this study were to explore the causes of street children in kacyiru street children centre, assess the implications of these street children on the society they live in and to know more about the challenges, problems and difficulties faced by these street children in the course of their stay on streets. In the study, a number of research instruments were used, these included; questionnaires which were supplied to administrators of the Kacyiru street children centre. In depth interviews were also employed in order to probe information out ofthe street children and finally observation also helped the researcher to know how these children behave more especially at night. Findings indicated that, genocide is the leading factor responsible for these children's staying on streets. Mistreatment, violation of children's rights and rampant poverty were among other causes. The findings further show that street children are seriously harassed by the public more especially security personnel. The public also discriminate and never IV respected these street children. Lack of education, food, shelter to mention but a few were among the other problems. Finally basing on findings, many respondents viewed street children as good people, who are only corrupted by the environment around them, and unfavourable conditions forces them to apply ')ungle law", others see them as thieves, rude, ruthless, brutal and drug traffickers.