There are around 52% of girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo who don’t attend school. There are several reasons for this. Families are poor and can’t provide for the school supplies needed and girls are the ones who work at home caring for the children. Girls are often victims of rape and end up being pregnant. Many at young ages then, having to care for their own children as well as family members.

Often girls are married very young and have many children. We believe good education is the way change can happen. In the areas we work in DRC, training for teachers, supporting schools and building schools is part of our vision. In the village of Rutemba and the surrounding ones near our Najenga land, the people have asked for help to have their children educated.

Presently the concern for us is to see more girls be able to get to school safely. There is a school near the village that they could attend with a little help with school supplies and uniforms. We have plans to begin a nursery school on our land where mothers can come when they are able, to learn about hygiene, nutrition and the importance of their children getting an education. Funds are set up to help with provision needed for that as well as for older children being able to stay in school. The man who is leading the team is a teacher and very trustworthy and capable to oversee this plan. He and his team have been having ongoing teaching with the men and women in the villages concerning the importance of education.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.” (Desmund Tutu)

Here are some little girls who spend time with us when we are visiting the Rutemba village next to our land. Every time they see us coming, they run to say hello…in Swahili. They take our hands and lead us along to the village, at times helping me across a muddy stream up the bank to a bench under a big tree that offers shade from the hot sun. My heart is full of love and hope for these little ones who work so hard and experience so much violence. They carry babies on their backs jostling around to keep them quiet as they try to teach me some words in their language. Their smiles are so beautiful and eyes full of hope.

LEARN MORE about how you can lend your support to programs taking places in Burundi and DR Congo…