[:en]The Turning Point House[:]

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The Turning Point House

In 2012 when the Rwandan government began closing the Noel Nyundo Orphanage it was overflowing with nearly 200 young adults. Many of the older orphans had been trapped in the orphanage since the 1994 genocide and most had nowhere to go. Closure of their only home left dozens unsupported in the shadows, where running away to Kigali and street living seemed their only option.

Turning Point House evolved as an umbrella of support for many Noel youth during a difficult time as they transitioned from the orphanage to making independent lives. Based in Kigali it gave the youth valuable breathing time to start re-joining society .

2012: PF helped 4 Noel youth by renting a small house in Kigali & providing food whilst they searched for jobs.
2013: as others became homeless a bigger house was rented in the city and established as a halfway house.

Turning Point House accommodated a maximum of 12 at a time, purposely no larger to avoid any similarity to an orphanage. Stays were long or short depending on individual circumstances and sometimes there was a need to provide emergency refuge for others.

The house had a secure family style atmosphere and residents encouraged to live within their monthly food budget. A live in ‘aunt’ was employed to chaperone, encourage domestic abilities and give guidance & advice. PF donors provided consistent funds for food & utility bills plus support for medical & emergency costs. This stability was particularly important for the emotional welfare of the youth.

As well as higher education, PF sponsorships gave some the chance to learn a trade from local vocational courses in hairdressing and car mechanics.

Turning Point House also became a centre point for other Noel youth to meet their friends, get mentoring support, help with CVs and mark occasions like graduations. Occasionally PF youth volunteers stayed and spend time sharing experiences. Moving out to live independently was encouraged and celebrated.

Turning Point House reached its natural conclusion in 2017. The few residents remaining were eased into independent living with additional financial support to see them through their next transition. Around 50 young people in one way or another had benefitted from the safety net offered by the house.