Mobility assistance for disabled children in DRC

Restoring Hope to 20 Deaf-Blind Children in Goma

1. Project Summary

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), children with disabilities, especially those who are deaf-blind, live in extreme hardship. This project aims to support 20 of these children in Goma, eastern DRC, by providing medical care, customized orthopedic devices, and access to inclusive education. It is part of a broader initiative reaching 65 motor-disabled children.

2. Background and Justification

Despite polio vaccination efforts, many children in the DRC still suffer from permanent physical disabilities. With over 100 million inhabitants, the DRC ranks last on the UN Human Development Index and faces serious challenges in healthcare, education, and disability inclusion.

Deaf-blind children face marginalization, abandonment, and a lack of access to specialized care. Their reduced mobility and isolation significantly hinder their personal growth and social integration.

3. Project Objectives

• Provide corrective medical treatment and customized orthopedic devices to 20 deaf-blind children.
• Support their integration into inclusive schools by covering school fees.
• Promote their autonomy, dignity, self-esteem, and social inclusion.
• Raise community awareness to foster acceptance and solidarity toward people with disabilities.

4. Expected Results

• 20 deaf-blind children with improved mobility through proper care and equipment.
• Enrollment in inclusive schools, enabling them to develop academic and life skills.
• Reduced stigma through community sensitization and awareness activities.
• Families empowered and better supported in their children's journey.

5. Partnership with GlobalGiving

Through our partnership with GlobalGiving, we benefit from an international fundraising platform, increased visibility, and technical support to help us reach our goals. This strategic alliance is key to mobilizing global solidarity and ensuring the lasting impact of this project.

6. Estimated Budget

• Medical and orthopedic care
• School fees and educational materials
• Transportation and caregiver support
• Community sensitization activities
• Monitoring and evaluation

Total required: USD 22,750
Amount raised so far: USD 0
Amount still needed: USD 22,750

Introduction

The heavy rains of late 2023 and early 2024 severely impacted Kalemie, leaving 90 households of people with disabilities homeless. These already vulnerable individuals have lost their homes and lack essential support. In response to this crisis, our project aims to provide accessible temporary shelters, improve access to essential services, deliver economic and social support, and strengthen their protection.

The project also promotes a participatory approach, emphasizing the rights of people with disabilities and their involvement in decision-making processes while raising community awareness about their inclusion.

Problem Statement

People with disabilities in Kalemie live in extremely precarious conditions. The torrential rains have worsened their situation by destroying their homes and further limiting their access to basic services. This often-overlooked population requires urgent and tailored interventions to ensure their safety, dignity, and social inclusion.

Without appropriate intervention, these households will remain in critical conditions, deepening inequalities and increasing risks of marginalization.

Project Objectives
1. Improved Accessibility:
- Rehabilitate infrastructure to ensure access for people with disabilities.

2. Strengthening Protection and Security:
- Build accessible and safe emergency shelters.
- Train rescue teams on the specific needs of people with disabilities.

3. Economic and Social Support:
- Distribute essential equipment and supplies.
- Support economic recovery through micro-credits and professional training.

4. Inclusion and Participation:
- Encourage the participation of people with disabilities in crisis management.
- Raise community awareness about the importance of their inclusion.

Expected Outcomes
1. Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure:
- Adapting infrastructure to benefit the entire community.
- Inclusive emergency plans to improve crisis responses for all.

2. Strengthening Social Cohesion:
- Including people with disabilities in emergency interventions to foster social inclusion.
- Collaboration between institutions to strengthen community solidarity.

3. Empowerment of People with Disabilities:
- Access to economic and social opportunities.
- Enhanced role in local decision-making processes.

Preliminary Analysis and Planning
Field assessments conducted in 2024 identified the specific needs of affected households and prioritized areas for intervention. These analyses informed tailored solutions, such as accessible infrastructure and mechanisms for economic support.

Budget and Funding
The total budget required for implementing this project in 2025 is estimated at **$45,500 USD**.

This amount will cover:
- The construction of accessible temporary shelters.
- Rehabilitation of priority infrastructure.
- Distribution of essential supplies.
- Professional training and micro-credit programs.

Currently, fundraising efforts are ongoing through **GlobalGiving**, but no funds have been raised yet. We rely on international support and donor contributions to meet this goal.

Conclusion and Call for Support
This project provides an urgent and inclusive response to Kalemie’s humanitarian crisis. By supporting this initiative, you will help ensure safety, dignity, and inclusion for people with disabilities affected by the heavy rains.

Your contribution through GlobalGiving will help turn this vision into reality, creating a resilient future for the most vulnerable. Together, we can achieve a fairer and more inclusive humanitarian response.