Fighters from the March 23 (M23) rebel movement in the DRC have taken control of Goma, where we work. Decades long conflict in DRC has displaced millions and an estimated 2.5 million people have sought safety in Goma. On 27 January that safety was shattered, as rebel troops took control of the city.
Basic services such as electricity and water have been disrupted, and businesses and schools have shut down, including those we work in with our partner Children’s Voice. Our project, which provides inclusive education to children and supports parents to start businesses, has been suspended.
Parents like Furaha, who through Children’s Voice was able to set up a smallholding business and send her children to school, have lost their income. Furaha’s son, Joseph, was born with a disability and before the project life was very difficult. “He used to go begging in the town, but now he no longer does”, Furaha told us. Happy at school, Joseph had the support of a specially trained Learning Support Assistant and was thriving. Today, his future looks uncertain.
Most of the children we work with either live in makeshift settlements or are street-connected. School is the only constant in their lives, not only providing education but also a place of security. Out of school, thousands of children are now at risk of violence, and with no income source, parents will struggle to meet their basic needs.
“In times of war, in times of conflict, this is the time that the child population is suffering – this is the time that they are losing their families, the time they have urgent needs. So this is the time that Children’s Voice has to be there. The children need us to be around them, so this is why we cannot leave.” Christine Musaidizi, Director of Children’s Voice.
Against the backdrop of violence, together with Children’s Voice we have been providing hope and a brighter future for the displaced children in Goma. With your support we can provide aid now and be there for them when the situation improves.
DONATE NOW
