Global Youth Day and Children's Global Day: Spreading Kindness with Children from NERF at Kiziguro Hospital

Today marks the annual celebration of Global Youth Day and Children’s Global Day, a day dedicated to promoting youth empowerment and highlighting the rights and needs of children around the world. This year’s theme, “Love is a Verb,” emphasizes the importance of taking action and showing love through deeds rather than just words.

In keeping with this theme, a group of children from North East Rwanda Field chose to visit Kiziguro Hospital in North East Rwanda for a day of kindness activities. Kiziguro Hospital serves as a vital resource for children and families in need of medical care.

The children, accompanied by adult volunteers from NERF, arrived at the hospital early in the morning armed with food and other basic sanitary products. They spent the day engaging with the other children at the hospital, distributing supplies, and spreading kindness through simple acts such as giving hugs and listening to their stories.

The children at Kiziguro Hospital come from a variety of backgrounds, and many face significant challenges such as poverty, illness, and trauma. The children from North East Rwanda Field made a point to meet each child where they were, creating a safe and welcoming space for them to be themselves.

Throughout the day, the children also shared a message of hope and encouragement, reminding the children at the hospital that they are valued and loved. This message was reinforced by the chosen theme for the day, which draws inspiration from 1 John 3:18, which says “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

For the children from North East Rwanda Field, this day was about more than just spreading kindness – it was about empowering themselves and others to make a positive difference in their community. By providing essential supplies such as food and sanitary products, they were able to make a tangible difference in the children’s lives.

As we celebrate Global Youth Day and Children’s Global Day, let us remember the power of love in action. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply showing kindness to those around us, we can all make a difference in the lives of children and youth. And let us also remember the words of 1 John 3:18, which call us to love not just with words, but with deeds and in truth.