Libby's off again to help kids in Africa

KEITH BULL

A CHARITY worker who has dedicated her life to helping underprivileged children in Africa is preparing to jet off for another stint.

Newhall's Libby Nahimana has spent 11 years giving hope to homeless orphans in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, a republic in central Africa.

In January, 2004, she and husband Donatien, 35, who is known as Honda, established the charity Restoration of Hope with a vision to help the street boys of Bujumbura.

The project started when Libby, 31, was followed home by three street boys looking for food. She gave them a home, and many others have followed since.

The couple's vision was to take boys off the street and to change their environment to give them a family, a home and an education.

Seven months later, the first Hope House was opened. It is now home to 13 boys who previously lived on the street.

The second Hope House opened in October, 2005, and is home to a further 17 boys.

Restoration of Hope, which is funded by contributions, currently cares for another 21 boys providing food, education and essential medicines.

Libby, who lives in Africa with her husband and children Bethany, 5, Abigail, 3, and Josiah, three months, returns to South Derbyshire every 18 months to visit her parents, Vic and Laurene Ford, who live in Church Street, Newhall.

During a brief visit to Newhall, Libby, who will fly back to Burundi tomorrow, spoke to The Mail about her work and the perceptions the English have of Africa.

"The view is that Africa just wants aid from the west," she said.

"However, people out there are desperate to work.

"Kids who have been on the streets for four or five years know education is the only way out of poverty.

"People are not looking for handouts but for help. If people don't work then they do not eat. All we want to do is help, and give them the best possible chance."

Those who live in Burundi, one of the world's poorest countries, which has a 35 per cent literacy rate, have an average life expectancy of 48 years.

"The first few times I came back to England were so difficult," said Libby, who lives in a rented house.

"There was so much choice in everything.

"It is nothing like that in Burundi. When I come back it is like having two separate lives. When I return it is hard work, but very rewarding.

"I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported our work."

Anyone wanting to sponsor a child or make a donation towards the charity can visit www.rofh.org or telephone Vic Ford on 01283 214407.