Helvine Isheja Ndahiro, a 12-year-old girl from Rwanda, is among the few children known for their extraordinary compassion and love. In interviews with local media outlets such as Gerald Mbabazi (TV) and Inyarwanda TV, Helivine shared her incredible journey of helping underprivileged children, a journey that began when she was only six years old.

She vividly recalls walking home from school and noticing children who lacked clothing, shoes, and access to proper food. That scene left a deep impression on her heart.
“I packed rice, maize flour, beans they had cooked at home, my dress, and even lotion into an envelope. I just wanted to help those kids,” said Helvine.

However, her parents initially misunderstood her intentions and scolded her, struggling to grasp what their young daughter was trying to do. But Helvine did not give up. After refusing to eat on two separate occasions, her mother felt compassion for her and promised they would go together to help the children the following Sunday.

After church that Sunday, Helvine reminded her mother of her desire to help. Her mother immediately called Helvine’s grandmother to ask if she knew any children living in severe poverty. The grandmother contacted one of Helvine’s cousins, who led them to a group of children who used to play soccer without clothes or shoes.

They went to a small shop, bought maize flour, rice, clothes, and shoes, and then headed to the family’s home, a half-finished house with no doors. There, they met a pregnant woman and her children living in extreme conditions. Helvine and her mother shared Bible verses with them, prayed together, donated the items, and even bought them charcoal to help start a small business.

Mugisha: The Boy with a Skin Condition Who Was Restored by Love

Among the children Helvine later met was Mugisha, a boy with a severe skin condition that caused wounds and discharge. She encountered him in a public bus while on her way to school. Everyone avoided him because of his appearance and smell, but Helivine approached and spoke to him. “He used to bathe only occasionally. Everyone avoided him. But I approached him,” said Helvine.

Mugisha opened up to her about his painful life story. He was born to a single mother and had never lived with his father, not even for a day. After his birth, his mother married another man and had another child. But the stepfather rejected Mugisha, saying he couldn’t live with a child that wasn’t his, especially one with such a skin condition. Mugisha was forced to live on the streets, lonely and abandoned.

Deeply moved, Hlivine took the matter to heart. She told her mother about Mugisha and begged her to help. Her mother agreed and welcomed Mugisha into their home.

Gradually, his life changed. The family treated him as their own son, constantly comforting him and showing him a love he had never known. Though he had missed school for four years, they enrolled him again. He quickly caught up, within his first year back (Primary 4), he ranked third in his class.

Mugisha is no longer the boy that everyone avoided. The power of love helped him heal both physically and emotionally. His skin condition has greatly improved, though some discoloration remains, the wounds have stopped. He now looks to the future with hope. He says he wants to become a blessing to others, which is why he proudly calls himself Mugisha (which means “blessing”), even though his real name is Avidony Kami.

Helvine’s Mother Speaks: “This Was God’s Calling”

Josiane Tuyishime, Helvine’s mother, considers her daughter’s mission to be heaven-sent. Speaking about the impact Helvine has had on their family and others, she said: “This wasn’t just Helivine’s idea. It was God using her. As Christians, we chose to support her calling.”

The first family that Helvine helped was living in an abandoned, unfinished structure. Through support from Ihumure TV and fundraising with Helivine, donors raised about 2,000,000 Rwandan francs, another one, money for five months of rent, and that 2 M was invested for a charcoal business.

Ongoing Support: ’Helvine Foundation’ and the Road Ahead

A WhatsApp group called Helvine Foundation was created to coordinate support for her cause. It brings together people with a heart for helping others. One of their main projects is helping Mugisha receive his monthly medical treatment, which costs 140,000 Rwandan francs.

Mugisha lives with a chronic skin condition that requires lifelong care, similar to conditions seen in those with albinism. The Foundation helps ensure he receives his medication consistently.

Helvine’s Dreams: Medicine, Education, and Changing Lives

Helvine dreams of becoming a medical doctor so she can help those in pain, just as she helped Mugisha and other children in need. She also plans to build a school dedicated to helping underprivileged children access quality education and care. “It’s not that we have a lot of money,” she says. “But God gave me the strength. I go to church at Bethlehem and sing in the children’s choir.”

A Message to the Public: Support Helivine’s Mission of Love

Although her parents were initially hesitant, they now fully support Helivine’s calling. They’ve joined her in the mission to care for others, and they invite others to do the same.

If you’d like to support Helvine’s work or help vulnerable children like Mugisha, you can donate or contact her family via: Phone: +250 788 920 118 Registered to: Josiane Tuyishime Purpose: For the activities of Helivine Foundation

Avidony Mugisha (before)

Avidony (Nowadays)

Helvine with her mother Josiane

Helvine Isheja Ndahiro on a mission to help vulnerable children, including Avidony (Mugisha) with severe skin disease