Intore Culture & Music Center
Kigali, RwandaThe Intore Culture & Music Center will give hope, housing and music training to Rwanda’s future leaders by providing support to Rwandan street orphans affected by the 1994 genocide. A powerful collaboration between LEAF International, the Playing For Change Foundation and Ivuka Arts Kigali, a local cultural center, have made the longtime dream of establishing a culture & music center for Rwandan street orphans a reality.
The Intore Culture & Music Center will provide housing, traditional drumming and performance classes to Rwandan orphans and the community. As a result of the 1994 Genocide and the AIDS epidemic, 70% of the Rwandan population is under 30—a large portion of which is made up of orphans without housing or education.
Rwanda's rich music, drumming and dance culture is preserved through mentoring local youth. Street children— through immersion in their cultural music traditions—receive valuable skill development, empowerment, self-esteem, and community connection.
"The music has changed us. We now feel proud and have hope. Through music and performance, we are example students to the rest of our community and our country" - LEAF Intore Cultural Troupe, program participants
The Intore Culture & Music Center is currently in development. During the LEAF International team's recent trip to Rwanda, the partnership with Ivuka Arts was solidified. Ivuka has already started to prepare for the Intore Cultural Troupe’s move to the new Center upon its completion, offering to provide transition assistance and planning for future opportunities for the Troupe. Locations are currently being scouted for the Center’s permanent home, with plans to open its doors in 2011.
LEAF International Website: LEAFInternational.org
Intore Culture & Music Center Website: IntoreMusic.org
Sponsor this program
For only $10/mo or more you can sponsor the Intore Culture & Music Center!
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE
Foundation cement
Provides five bags of cement to help build the foundation of a music school
Teacher salary
Provides one month’s teacher salary
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FEATURED STUDENT
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,
… moreNEWS
Apr 25, 2011
Obstacles and Rewards
by Stephen BeiliWhen working toward building a performance center for traditional drumming and dancing for fifteen young men who grew up on the streets in Rwanda in the years following the genocide of 1994, one can expect to run into a few obstacles. And then, thankfully, there are the rewards…
LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY
The LEAF Intore boys are a group of Rwandan orphans who lived and slept in a battered parking lot for many years. They have raised themselves to be a band of brothers, and now share day-to-day duties in their new home. Each of the 18 boys were assigned a role amongst themselves including cook, store keeper, general of communication, and general of hygiene. The boys are also big football fans!
Under Construction, Coming Soon!
Check back soon for updates about the exciting classes taking place in this program.
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Leonard Mutwarasibo
Leonard Mutwarasibo is a member of the prestigious National Ballet of Rwanda and is the LEAF Intore boys’ primary teacher of traditional Rwandan drumming, song and dance. Leonard has trained the boys 3 times a week for the last 4 years and is an integral role model and mentor.
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