DRC Volcano Eruption Relief

Thank you so much for your support of this project. I’m writing to share some updates from ActionAid’s  emergency response in the DRC. We appreciate you taking the time to learn about and act in response to this crisis.

Since the volcano eruption on May 22^nd, 2021, we have been supporting those living in Goma and Nyirangonogo as planned, with services like delivering food assistance and mosquito nets, educating local leaders on gender-based violence, and providing educational materials and toys for children who have been impacted by this disaster. ActionAid’s humanitarian signature focuses on local leadership that is women-led and rights-based. Thanks to generous donors like you, we’ve been able to educate more than 3,000 people on gender-based violence and Covid-19 prevention. Please consider sharing this project with your network, so we can continue meeting the needs of those living in the DRC.

Now more than ever, your commitment to climate justice makes a difference. Thank you for your support and solidarity.

Three months after the Nyiragongo volcano eruption, life has resumed in Goma and Nyiragongo territory. However, people are aware of the threat which continues to loom over the two million inhabitants located in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Fearing that the capital of North Kivu will one day disappear under the lava, volcanologist researchers, authorities, and external partners are trying to organise themselves to best manage and if possible, reduce the risk.

Our work in Goma and Nyirangongo continues, as affected families need further assistance to increase social and economic recovery because they still affected by the problems related to the life in the displacement camps. For women, disasters, crises and conflicts have a disproportionate effect. They increase the likelihood of women's human rights violations. They often exclude women from decision making and deny them access to resources. At the same time, women and women's organizations are significantly underrepresented in humanitarian responses.

Your donation goes a long way to support women on the frontlines of the volcano eruption.

• More than 3,200 people have received training on gender-based violence (GBV) and COVID-19 prevention mechanisms in the community and displacement camps in the Nyiragongo territory.
• Alongside volcano eruption response activities, 14 protection monitors, and 16 local authorities have been trained on Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse (SHEA) & Safeguarding policies as part of their daily work in the community and in the camps.
• We have trained women to take on the role of protection monitors. Women lead the awareness campaign on GBV and COVID-19 prevention, and on the risks associated with volcanic eruption in the community.

Thank you so much for your commitment. It makes a world of difference.



In gratitude,
Francis

Francis Noon
Individual Giving Manager, ActionAid USA