In response to the great need around our partners in the North Kivu province in D. R. Congo, Comfort Congo has set up a new Street Kids Rescue project to reach out to the many children in desperate situations living on the streets. They are there due to a range of circumstances including poverty, war, and family instability. In the words of our partners, the aim of the project, which has been called ‘Friends of Jesus Congo’, is to “encourage the healing of Street Children through education, feeding, clothing, health and accommodation.” We were delighted to receive an update from Bedadi (shown above) at Comfort Congo, who is overseeing the project, following its inauguration.
108 children sleeping on the streets have been noted as needing support from the project, and the first 25 have begun to receive support. These children range from 8 to 16 years old and have been living in heartbreaking situations. Christine* is only 8 years old and has been living on the streets for three months following the death of her parents. David* is 14 years old and has been living on the streets for one year. He dropped out of school and went to the streets due to extreme poverty which made living on the streets seem like a better option than living at home. He says he had lost hope of a better future. Robin* is 10 years old and lost his parents 4 months ago following rebel fighting. He’s been sleeping on the streets because he has nowhere else to go. There are many more with stories just like these who feel there is no hope for them, no one to love them as they need. Comfort Congo want to step into that gap.
The objectives of the project are to provide food, accommodation, health care and access to education for the children who are supported on it. If it is possible, safe and appropriate, then efforts can be made to begin reconciliation and rehabilitation into families. Our partners have met with school directors and family members to best see how we can help.
The situation in D. R. Congo is truly desperate, and there is much to be done, but through the grace of God, the hard work, dedication and compassion of our partners, and the continued financial and prayerful support of our followers, these dear children can begin to know that they are loved; to find the hope they had given up on and to know their true worth in the eyes of the loving Father. If you would like to get involved please contact us or follow the link to find out more about sponsorship.
a little can change a life
*names changed to protect identity