Embrace New Beginnings

The problem of drug addiction and other deviant behaviors among the youth in Rwanda poses a significant threat to the country's socio-economic development. Street children and youth struggling with drug addiction are vulnerable victims in need of urgent intervention to restore their lives. While rehabilitation centers have been established to offer these young individuals a chance for change and reintegration into society, challenges remain. Each year, over 7,000 youth are admitted to these centers, yet 25% relapse within one year of graduation.

The psycho-socio-economic reintegration of graduates from rehabilitation centers is a critical component in addressing the issue of drug addiction. However, significant gaps in this reintegration process have led to high recidivism rates. These gaps include inadequate preparation of families and graduates, community stigma, lack of job opportunities, unresolved family-related causes of delinquency, insufficient engagement from private organizations, NGOs, and faith-based organizations (FBOs), and inadequate funding.

To address these challenges, Life Link has developed the project Embrace New Beginnings. With 70% of Rwanda's population under…