War shattered her dream but now...

Wooooo — it's graduation day!

In early 2024 we met Immaculée, an outstanding 17yr old young woman whose dreams were taken from her when she fled deadly violence in East DRC. Check out that story - HERE

Arriving in Goma with nothing, she began life in an IDP camp (Internally Displaced Persons). She found her way to a World Vision supported 'Youth Ready' course and was offered the opportunity to choose a technical course and begin studying.

What did she choose? Mechanics!

We recently caught up with her at her graduation day (January 2025). It was a glorious day of celebrations and new hope, which your gift has helped to drive.

Immaculée surprised everyone by choosing car mechanics and we have a feeling she's going to keep surprising people as she drives forward to her future.

Press play =)

Immaculée, in her own words...

"I'm so happy.

We've just received our certificates of achievement and I came 4th out of 22 in auto mechanics.

“Before the war, I was a nutrition student. But when the war came, we fled here to Rusayo camp, and fortunately I found myself in the hands of World Vision and Coeur Sans Frontière.

The war shattered this dream, but thank God World Vision gave me a good alternative.

When the war started, my parents had to give up everything, including their job.

I can now help my parents and younger brothers by paying for their education.

Today, I'm proud of the driver and car repairer I've become.

That's why I'd like to drive humanitarian aid workers on their missions to help children.

So, my dream is to become the first female driver at World Vision here in Goma."

Decades of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has forced millions of families like Immaculée's to flee for their lives. In East DRC, most families head to Goma, a commercial centre that houses many IDP settlements and camps.

In recent weeks the M23 rebel group have taken over Goma. Many have died, building and homes have been destroyed in the fighting and fear has taken over the community. To understand more, here is a very helpful BBC report - LINK

The situation remains highly volatile with leaders from several African countries desperately trying to negotiate a truce. In situations such as these children are at even greater risk of exploitation and harm.

The M23 rebel group have just ordered all those settled in IDP camps to pack up and return to their previous communities despite many of them being bombed and no longer inhabitable. They were given three days to achieve this.

Our team are right there, working to assess and support, with a focus on protecting children, ensuring they survive.

For Immaculée and her classmates, they are at another cruel fork in the road. Whilst their stories will not end here, there's no denying the devastation of this escalation of violence and displacement.

For millions of children fleeing violence and living in IDP settlements, having access to learning and opportunity is more than support, it's hope.

Your gift helps to provide practical support and hope, helping children in the world's most dangerous and complex places, survive, recover and build a future.