Masaka Development Project

In 2005 Joseph Nyamutera moved out of Kigali into the village of Masaka with a population of 10,000 on the outskirts of Kigali. He soon became very concerned about the plight of many orphans and other children who could not afford education. Joseph wanted the church to see that it was their responsibility to do something about this. Only Oswald responded, a man with excellent drumming skills. Oswald wondered if God could use these skills to help these children.

He and Joseph began to dream of starting a children's drumming group and training them to give professional presentations at public functions. So they began gathering the children together and now have a team of 30 children aged between 6 and 12 years old who are performing excellently. Supported by other local Christians, a group of 12 children also trained as traditional dancers. Financial gifts from abroad bought drums and costumes for the dancers. In 2006 they had several engagements to perform in public, even for the president!

In addition, a lady has trained some children to make beautiful cards out of banana leaves. These are being sold, enabling the work to grow and the children to support themselves to go to school.

With the proceeds from the performances and the card sales, they have purchased goats, making it possible to provide an ongoing income for the children. Each child is responsible for his/her own goat. More than 30 children have now been able to obtain school uniforms and some are going to school for the very first time, sometimes because their friend with the goat has shared with them!