Determined to Hope
- elsiemckee
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
In Goma our partners continue to face incredible challenges. The USA-brokered peace treaty between the DRC and Rwanda did not connect with the DRC-M23 talks, so there is no visible progress on the ground, except further violence: raids and killing in the CCS principal’s street.. But our partners are determined to hope!
M23 forces in control of Goma have demanded purchase of a “school bulletin” (payment of a fee) for every child enrolled in the Community Charity School (based on last year’s figures) [see illustration above]. Failure would probably mean sudden death for the principal so we paid and they go on teaching and learning and hoping each day to avoid notice. To add to the complications, the proprietor of the rented school buildings has raised the rent. It is fair, in the circumstances, but it certainly adds to the costs!
In the Goma orphanage, forces are threatening to confiscate the property. While praying that this may be avoided, the orphans celebrate the corn flour they now have. FEBA sent money to pay for planting a farm outside Goma, and now the children are celebrating the arrival of the harvest; they know they have food for several months.
School Supplies and Uniforms Open Doors
It is a big challenge for the poorest families to provide any education for their children. Even now that primary school is free (though not secondary), many children never know if they will have uniforms and supplies.
FEBA provides these necessities for two children from each member family; imagine having to choose which of your children would be able to go to school…
When the supplies were given out to the 180 children and youth, they began to sing and clap their hands. One little fellow was almost dancing as he waved his hands around, sharing his big happy grin with everyone. Maybe it was the first time he would be able to go to school?! Check out our Facebook page for a short video and look for a kid in a bright yellow shirt…
HOLIDAY MARKETS
Community days and holiday events offer great opportunities to treat yourself and do good at the same time. Invite us to your event!
(Above) Ellie Zorn helps at TCNJ’s annual festival.
Next markets in Princeton, Nov. 23 and 30 and Dec.7. Call 609-332-4095 for details.
Giving Tuesday is Coming!
The world economy is struggling. Americans feel it; our partners in Congo feel it even more acutely. Those who could previously feed their families are now eating only one meal/ day or sometimes every other day. We know that being able to support those you love is both a joy and a source of self-respect.
For Giving Tuesday, we aim to provide ten women with microloans. More details next month!
A Bright Light In Spite of
One of FEBA’s great services to the future of girls and women in Congo is its vocational education program, providing sewing, cosmetology, and computer science courses. Sewing is the oldest and most in-demand, and FEBA has become a leading light among the centers which teach tailoring, as its students excel in the national exams. Other centers send their students to do internships at FEBA.
There are some significant problems in the 3-year-old government Ministry of Vocational Instruction. They make many demands on FEBA, such as asking it to host the practical sewing exam for all the centers, but they constantly put off promises to support the school. This year’s national testing was an example: the Ministry failed to deliver the written exams on the designated day, leaving students hanging. Now they are delaying giving the results, so FEBA cannot plan the students’ graduation. (They always do well, but it is proper to await the results.) Maybe next month we will be able to share graduation photos?!!
Wind, Rain, a New Roof!
The Women’s Center is the heart of FEBA’s work, the central place which gives pride and hope as it hosts vocational programs, microfinance, fellowship, and more. It stands tall in its neighborhood, one of the few 2-story buildings in a sea of smaller houses.
In today’s increasing climate change, a taller building equals greater vulnerability. Extremely high wild winds and torrential rains earlier this year caused serious damage to the roof of the new classroom added to the Women’s Center in 2023.
After various repairs failed to stop the leaks, it became clear that the whole roof would have to be removed and replaced. It was a big job but we are happy to have a safe dry place again!
Two generous anonymous donors helped with this large unexpected expense. If you would like to contribute to a new designated Emergency Fund we would be so grateful.
Please contact Elsie with ideas at
Comments