“Generation HAPPI”The Search for New Sense of Belonging among Rwanda’s

Orphans

Manuela KührGraduate Institute Geneva

CEPA Symposium, Colombo1st-3rd September, 2014

Noel Orphanage

Birls’ dormitory

Are Rwanda’s Orphans “Generation HAPPI”?

“HAPPI” = healthy, with aptitude, patriotic, productive & innovative

Rwanda’s 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 people’s 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 children’s 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 Noel’s youth are not taken into considerationFear of becoming a servant at extended/foster familyNo access to education/jobFear 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 Rwanda’s youth

Rwanda’s youth struggle to become full-accepted members of their society

Orphans will not vanish from Rwanda’s social fabric

The End