It’s inspiring to see a 12-year-old dedicate herself to helping others, but Helvine Ndahiro’s actions prove her exceptional compassion and maturity. In an interview with InyaRwanda, Helvine shared that her philanthropic journey began at just six years old.
She reflected: “It started when I was six after a trip to the market with my mom. I noticed kids my age, some barefoot and others wearing only tattered shirts. Out of concern, I asked them why they were in the streets. They told me their parents weren’t around, and when I asked if they had eaten, they said they hadn’t.”
Helvine quickly decided to act: “I went home, took dry rice and maize flour, mixed them together, and picked beans my family had cooked that day, placing them in a small sack. I grabbed my only dress, took some cooking oil, and asked my dad to support my idea of helping. I told him about my plan and requested his backing.”
Initially, her parents struggled to understand her intentions. Helvine said: “After telling my dad, he wasn’t convinced. He suggested we talk to my mom to see what she thought. When she heard about it, she was unhappy with my plan, but eventually, she came around. She told me we would visit the needy kids on Sunday and help them.”
That Sunday, her family bought essential items like maize flour, rice, clothes, and shoes, and visited the children in need. They prayed with them, listened to their stories, and offered much-needed support.
How Helvine Rescued a Street Child with a Skin Condition
One of Helvine’s most notable acts of kindness involves rescuing a boy named Mugisha ("Kami Avidony"). When she encountered him on a bus, other passengers avoided him because of his severe skin condition. Helvine recalled: “I saw him sitting alone, and nobody wanted to sit near him. I approached him to learn his story—why he was in that bus alone. He told me he had been chased from his home and was born with the skin condition.”
Feeling moved, Helvine directed the boy to where her mother sold goods and urged him to visit. She then convinced her parents to take him in and treat him like family. They eventually agreed, bringing Mugisha home, enrolling him in school, and initiating medical treatment for his condition. Today, Mugisha is thriving and on the path to recovery.
Helvine credits her compassion and determination to her faith: “This strength comes from God. Everyone has a purpose, but if God doesn’t guide you, your plans won’t succeed. It is Him who gives me the courage to approach those rejected by others.”
Future Visions and Supportive Family
Helvine dreams of becoming a doctor to help vulnerable children and hopes to establish schools for kids in need. In addition, she spends her time visiting patients at hospitals, spreading care and hope to those she meets.
Her mother, Josiane Tuyishime, reflected on Helvine’s journey: “While we struggled to understand our daughter’s passion for helping others initially, we later embraced it and now wholeheartedly support her. Our first act of helping a struggling family has grown to yield a larger impact, including a new home built for them through Helvine’s efforts.”
Her father, Ndahiro Yves, expressed his admiration for Helvine, describing her as selfless: “I see her as a child who doesn’t just think about herself but focuses on the needs of other children. She dreams of building schools and hospitals and helping many, especially street children who don’t have anyone to care for them.”
Photo Gallery of Helvine’s Impact
Helvine, at 12 years old, is dedicated to acts of love and charity, dreaming of establishing a school to assist underprivileged children.
Helvine rescued a child suffering from a skin condition. Her family treated him, and he is now recovering.
He was born with skin conditions covering his head and body, but treatment has helped him recover.
The family cared for him and treated him, leading to his recovery.
He became part of the family.
He was enrolled in school and has become a top-performing student.
Helvine’s mother expressed her commitment to supporting her daughter’s acts of kindness.