YouTube and global phenomenon Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) is teaming-up with globally established non-profit LEAF International (LI) to connect the world through music. This powerful collaboration is taking action to create The Intore Culture & Music Center in Kigali, Rwanda. Intore will build a better future for Rwandan street orphans.

Since 2006, LEAF International has been working with a group of Rwandan kids (now known as the LEAF Intore Cultural Troupe) living on the streets of Kigali and raising themselves as a band of brothers. Through weekly LEAF mentorship of music and drum lessons, the youth have gained respect for themselves and also from leaders in their community. “When you are living on the street there is no hope, there is no life, there is no future; everyone fears you and you don’t get respect” explains a Rwandan youth. “Through music and performance, we become example students to the rest of our community and our country. We now feel proud and have hope.”

As a result of the 1994 genocide and AIDS epidemic, 70% of the Rwandan population is under 30 and a major demographic of orphans are without housing and education. The Intore Culture & Music Center will give hope, traditional culture & music training along with housing opportunities for Rwandan orphans. The center will also provide traditional drumming and performance classes to and the community. Through immersion in their cultural music traditions, Rwandan youth receive valuable skill development, empowerment, self-esteem, and a connection to their community.

The Intore Culture & Music Center will recognize its students as vital participants from naming the center to maintaining its sustainability. In exchange for working at the center in various capacities, the Intore Troupe will receive housing and have the potential to become mentors offering classes to other Rwandan youth in the community. Current students, led by example, become future mentors while Rwanda's rich drumming and dance culture is preserved.