SA community farewells boys who drowned

Eleven-year-old friends Frank Ndikuriyo and Thierry Niyomwungere, who drowned off a beach on New Year's Day, have been farewelled at a service in Adelaide.

The two boys were among five children who got into trouble north of the Glenelg Jetty.

Lifesavers said the children were playing on a rocky breakwater before waves swept them into the water.

A large gathering attended Monday's funeral which came as the Australian Refugee Association continued an appeal for funds to help the families.

The association said the two boys were bright, talented and loved by everyone who knew them.

"In addition to the grief being experienced by the boys' families, they must now face the financial hardship that often comes with losing a loved one unexpectedly," it said.