Rwanda continues to suffer from the effects of the 1994 Genocide. The number of orphaned children and child-headed households remains high. It is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, making life for many a continual struggle for resources. Over half the population of Rwanda are children.

There are over 800,000 orphans in Rwanda and over 100,000 children living in child-headed-households. Since 2000 the infant and maternal mortality rates have increased. Malaria, diarrhoea, HIV/AIDS and respiratory infections are the primary causes of death among children. Street living and working children in particular suffer in Rwanda as the government and communities have little understanding of their needs or as to why they are on the streets. Rather than work to help children and families find mutual understanding, they round up the children and force them to stay in unsuitable camps.