Tuyisenge Phocas

Phocas born in 2012 is a young boy from Musanze District, Rwanda, whose early life was marked by hardship and struggle. Family conflict forced him to spend many years on the streets, where survival was a daily battle. During this difficult time, he fell into the trap of substance abuse, and his education was interrupted for a long period. Growing up with his mother in poverty, Phocas felt helpless and lost, believing that his circumstances could never change. Everything began to shift when he joined Art for Change Rwanda. For the first time, Phocas found a safe haven—a place where he could be a child again, receive care, and be guided away from the dangers that had once consumed him. Through the support of the program, he re- enrolled in school, learned to overcome substance abuse, and started to rebuild his life with hope and purpose. Today, Phocas is not only back in school but thriving. He actively participates in creative arts, finding joy and expression through music and performance. With the encouragement of Art for Change Rwanda, he has become a talented soloist in the Music and Performance Department, inspiring those around him. His mother, once filled with worry and despair, now beams withpride seeing her son transform into a responsible, motivated, and joyful young person. Phocas’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, the healing power of art, and the incredible change that care, support, and opportunity can bring to a child’s life. From the streets to the stage, he is proof that no beginning is too difficult for a brighter future.