David Kwizera

by Jennifer Pickering & David Kwizera

For over 8 years, David was the leader of his "band of brothers" living as streets orphans in an uncovered parking lot in Kigali. Each day was a struggle for food and survival. David is the elected leader of the LEAF Intore Troupe. He has a natural confidence, a big heart and a warm smile. When we asked David what he imagined for his future, David responded ‘most of us grew up on the streets, and it was not our choice. We are sad for the others that are still on the streets. We dream to have work, and when we can sustain ourselves, we wish to take in other kids from the streets. We want to reach other kids – not only from the streets, but youth in general. We want to empower other kids the way that we were empowered.’

David is also talented in traditional Rwandan performance (you’ll often find him in the front row with a bright smile in a drum or dance line), and also in modern music styles. For our arrival to the LEAF Intore Troupe’s home, David wrote and performed a hip-hop song for us. He rapped “Youth of Rwanda strive to live a good life, because even a street child can become someone new.” Ain’t that the truth!

- Jennifer Pickering, Executive Director, LEAF International

"My name is David Kwizera. I was born in 1989, in Gisenyi. I grew up without my parents. I was living with a older woman who I considered was my grand mother. When I was 9 years old I asked her about my Father and she told me that he would come for me. I pressed her for details and she finally told me she found me abandoned in a field. When I was ten, thieves invaded our house, took our belongings and killed my Grandmother. Left with no family, I ended up living on the streets in Gisenyi, but life on the street was tough. I ended up in Kigali where the situation was not much better. I was lucky to meet with LEAF International who’ve helped me get music and dance training and accommodation."

- David Kwizera, Leader, LEAF Intore Cultural Troupe