Story continues after "Quick low down on current DRC situation..."
Quick low down on current DRC situation...
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Increased violence from armed groups has devastated DRC since late 2022
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5.8 million people displaced across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (UNHCR)
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Estimated 800,000 people have been displaced in the Childhood Rescue project areas
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Childhood Rescue team evacuated in late 2022 to Goma
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Key activities continued via remote coordination with local partners
Press play for dance moves that show YOUR impact in action!
For almost four years our Childhood Rescue programmes have been building momentum in East DRC, specifically in the areas of:
- Agriculture, across both livestock and crops
- Income generating businesses
- Community savings groups (S4T)
- Nutrition & health (targeting child malnutrition)
Due to the recent six months of physical separation there was fear momentum may pause or go backwards but... SURPRISE!
In the midst of devastation and uncertainty, the community members who stayed continued with this year's agriculture plans and had one of their best harvests yet!
They even had enough overflow to pool their profits and buy their own fields!
This is your gift in sustainable action :)
Two members of the Muunga farming group stand with their newly received sheep. Coordinating through local partners, we were able to successfully conduct sheep and rabbit distributions over the last 6mths. As the sheep breed, lambs are distributed to those members who did not initially receive sheep and the impact grows with time.
With destruction surrounding their communities, this farming group defied the odds. With their best harvest yet, they paid themselves fairly, provided food and medicine for their children and purchased their own fields. CHR programme staff helped establish these farming groups and continue to provide support and training, new varieties of seeds, tools and better commercial frameworks to go from personal growing to profitable agricultural businesses. This changes children's lives!
Rodrigue Harakandi
"This is not just a job.
Being evacuated was very difficult for us. These results are amazing.
We are very happy."
Rehema, 35, is a member of the Muungano S4T savings group. She is pictured holding her money chest. This chest is a tool used in the savings groups which helps members learn how to manage and grow their finances. She has six children and is able to pay their school fees and meet other family needs thanks to the savings she has via the S4T group.
Rodrigue Harakandi
If you've been following the Childhood Rescue story for a while you have no doubt seen 'S4T' groups mentioned.
S4T stand for, Savings for Transformation and the groups make a very practical difference, by providing:
- Lessons to understand and manage finances
- Resources in developing skills & income generating businesses
- Accountability & framework for working as a community collective
- Practical ongoing training and support
- Start up capital
S4T groups are open to everyone but women predominantly join them. We continually see them provide, security, agency and empowerment for women across the world.
Goreth, a farmer tends to the onion crops. The group managed to harvest 3010kg of onions, which was used for income and also eaten within households. Since joining the farming group and an S4T group Goreth can now provide for her family. She also saved enough money to pay for a surgery she required.
Rodrigue Harakandi
The situation in DRC remains extremely volatile and dangerous.
Ongoing tensions between armed groups means rural communities live side by side with roaming rebels.
Helping children in the world's most dangerous places is a roller coaster ride of emotions, especially for our amazing programme staff.
Amidst the highs, lows and set backs, we know hope is always worth pursuing.
In the DRC, your gift helps pursue hope in practical ways, so communities and children can survive, recover and build sustainable futures.
What can I do?
Here's three ways for you to go a little deeper - chat, act or share!
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Ask a Question
Got something you don't quite understand? Ask a question and we'll get you an answer direct from our amazing project staff.
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Donate
Every gift makes a difference. Our Childhood Rescue fund helps children living in the world’s most dangerous places.
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Raising awareness is vital. Help make people aware of the situation and the difference we can make, together.
