In the midst of chaos, positive things are happening:
Africa New Day has made significant progress in our efforts to assist children and families affected by the M23 conflict in Eastern Congo and continue to strengthen and increase our current endeavors during the first quarter of 2023. The organization has been working tirelessly to provide assistance to those in need, including thousands of families displaced by the M23. The displaced have been fed and served, with over 1800 families receiving supply kits. This support has been critical in helping families meet their basic physical needs during a time of crisis.
Working with our partners for transformation
One of the most impactful initiatives undertaken by Africa New Day this quarter has been our partnership with UNICEF, Jewish World Watch, and individual donors to provide schooling for displaced children and support for their integration and reintegration into school. Through this program, many displaced children have been able to continue their education, providing hope and stability in a challenging time. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), once refugee children have been displaced, many face significant disruptions to their education, with less than half of refugee children attending primary school and only a quarter attending secondary school. This lack of education not only deprives these children of their ability to learn and develop but also limits their opportunities for the future and hinders their capacity to rebuild their lives. These statistics highlight the urgent need for increased support and resources to ensure that the displaced children in Eastern Congo have access to education and the chance to realize their full potential.
Another notable effort has been the distribution of 287 knit clothing items to children aged 1-4 years old, and packages of ecological charcoal to 120 households, as part of a developing initiative to support those displaced by war. This distribution was done in partnership with the Eastern Congo Initiative and highlights the collaborative efforts of organizations working towards a common goal of long-term sustainability and development in the region.
Furthermore, Africa New Day has established a new partnership with the Embassy of the Netherlands in DR Congo to help Congolese women displaced by the war in Kanyaruchinya. This partnership has already resulted in a women's meeting of over 300, where the women received group counseling, food, and a brief respite from their challenging situation.
Making Strides
The organization has also made strides in education and training for staff and community members, with the Africa New Day School and Counseling Department collaborating to organize training for social workers, peer counselors, and teachers. This training aims to provide participants with ideas for managing children with special needs and helping them integrate smoothly into school and social environments. The resulting conference for parents and teachers drew a crowd of 189 attendees and highlighted the importance of support for special needs children.
Finally, Africa New Day has continued to provide support to the elderly who have been displaced by the war in Kanyaruchinya, with food and survival kits distributed to 70 elderly people from the Ntana Buhombo displaced sites.
Overall, the first quarter has been marked by significant progress in providing support, education, and assistance to those severely affected by the M23 conflict in Eastern Congo. The efforts of Africa New Day have made a meaningful impact in the lives of children, families, and communities in the region.
