Meghan and Caroline are returning to Rwanda to work at Umuryango, a home for former street children! We intend to establish a counseling program for the boys, as well as implement some expressive arts therapy, and create profiles for each boy documenting their "story." Meghan will also be doing some research for her thesis on ritual and healing. Upon our return, we will utilize some of their artwork to develop products to sell and generate income for the new counseling program. Click the links above to learn more about our plans!

We have raised some money, but are still several thousand dollars short. Please feel free to make a contribution to the cause... Even five dollars would mean so much! Information on donating is below on the right. We appreciate all of your thoughts, comments and support.

Below is our blog, which we will use to update you on our progress!

OUR PROJECT

THE PROJECT
Below you will find details on our trip objectives to help establish a counseling program, find sponsorship for the boys in need, and develop an income-generating project with Umuryango Children's Network.

TIMEFRAME:
Summer 2010—June through July

PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
-One-on-One: counseling/interviewing with the boys with the help of a translator.

-A psychosocial spiritual assessment of each boy: background information, how they came to Umuryango, medical history, hopes and aspirations, strengths, weaknesses, family background, resources…
-Interviews will help identify future counseling needs for all boys as well as identify boys who might be particularly at risk or have special needs that could benefit from further counseling.
-Development of a “story” for each boy at Umuryango. Umuryango identified the need for these stories which can be utilized by the organization to help obtain new sponsors.

-Art Therapy: I will be traveling with Meghan Goyer who brings a background in play therapy, expressive arts therapy, spirituality, and ritual as tools.  

- We will work on art projects and utilize art as a form of therapy. This will help to foster a holistic approach to healing and integration which will directly benefit the boys and the maintenance of the Umuryango program.

UPON RETURN:

-Income generating project: We plan to utilize some of the artwork created by the boys to develop products to sell including stationary and cards. These could be used to fundraise for Umuryango and the counseling program.

-Working with Umuryango to raise awareness and find sponsorships for the approximately fifteen boys who are currently in need.

-Potential development of a partnership between Umuryango and the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work that will enable a counseling program to can more fully address the needs of the boys and the organization.
 
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