SACCA was founded in 2003 by a Rwandan national, Kakooza Douglas, and volunteers from the UK, Mark Ogle and Naomi Sterling. Mark and Douglas brought together leading community members with the idea of helping street children in the Eastern Province. Initially Mark and his wife Naomi took children into their own home to provide them with protection and safety. Once funding began to be secured, centres were opened in Kayonza, Kabarondo and Rwamagana, and a permanent staff was established to run the centres and carry out Social Work to address the problems of young people on the streets. Initially, centres were for boys only, but in 2004 SACCA opened its first centre for girls.
In 2011 SACCA secured formal registration as a Rwandan NGO.
About SACCA
SACCA ASBL (The Streets Ahead Children’s Centre Association) is a local NGO registered in Rwanda which works to protect and rehabilitate children who have been living on the street as well as preventing them from reaching the streets in the first place. SACCA operates in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Rehabilitation Centres are based in Kabarondo (for boys) and Kayonza (for girls). The Head Office is in Kayonza, and Social Work is coordinated from that office.
SACCA currently looks after 55 children in its centres, and provides assistance and support to a further 310 young people. Since its foundation in 2003 SACCA has reintegrated more than 1000 children with family or community.
