Last week we shared with you the first part of the report from our Summer Appeal which was held in the summer. You can read the full report on funds sent for victims of the devastating May floods in Rwanda in our blog post here. The second part of the appeal was in relation to a school across the border in Kambize, a very poor area in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Conflict in this area has been on a drastic upward curve as violence between rebel militia and government forces intensifies. Many children don’t have the option to go to school, but the opportunity arose to partner with the Bank of Congo to build a brand new school for these children. We know that where there is education there is community, security and hope for a better future, and we are delighted to have begun construction on Kambize school.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of continual violence, disruption, fear and danger, and it continues to deteriorate. According to UNICEF, violent clashes between non-state armed groups and government forces forcibly displaced over 450,000 people in the six weeks proceeding Nov 24th 2023 in Rutshuru and Masisi territories in North Kivu Province. This is resulting in huge numbers of families and children fleeing their homes with absolutely nothing. Many of them are currently in Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps (right) which stretch for miles throughout North Kivu, and are living without food, clean water, medicine or education.
Our partners at Comfort Congo have been working incessantly to help provide emergency food and medication for those affected by the troubles. They are also very passionate about education. Why? Education is the key to the future for so many of these young people. It provides opportunities for further education, work, a better standard of living and a route out of poverty. Another UNICEF quote says a child born to an educated mother has a 50% higher chance of survival! Education saves lives.
Children in Kambize, North Kivu, were being gathered in a makeshift “school” (see photos right), where 600 children were being taught by amazing teachers and volunteers in their “classrooms” which were little more than planks of wood nailed together and broken wooden benches perched on top of volcanic rubble, which could not hold the many children who came, thirsty for education and knowledge. The opportunity arose to partner with the Bank of Congo, when they offered to pay 90% of the cost of a modern, new, 6-classroom school for Kambize, if Comfort International can provide 10% of the funds.
The appeal raised a fantastic amount of money for the school. Money was sent and the building work could begin! The team who visited from Comfort International in the Summer were delighted to see the foundations being laid and walls starting to go up. The progress on the building work has been brilliant, and it is nearing completion. In total there will be six classrooms, a staffroom, toilets and a multipurpose room. Once complete, the children will be able to study in much better conditions.
Elia (right), is one of the pupils who will study at Kambize Primary School when it is finished. He says, “Thank you so much for what you are doing for us pupils. I’m very happy and my friends are happy for your contribution. It means we won’t be dirty in school or attacked by different diseases because the school is clean. We are happy.”
The principal teacher adds, “To have a beautiful school like this – pupils and parents are very happy. It’s as if they are in paradise to know that they will be studying here in the coming days.”
Your donations have changed the lives of hundreds of pupils who will study at Kambize School. Thank you so much for your participation in investing in education for children in the Democratic Republic of Congo.