Educate 130 Children of Rape Victims in DR Congo

Thanks to an in-kind gift of one supporter, three cameras with limited video capability have been gratefully received by each of our three schools. The distances between Bernadette and the 3 schools are significant, with government security checkpoints along the way. Now that schools have their own cameras (giving Bernadette the cards at regular intervals so she can send the photos electronically), we’re hoping to post more frequent project reports for supporters like you.

Camera Training: Stateside, Annette made a series of instructional videos (in French - thanks, Laurence!) on each of the cameras for the schools to see and learn from; Bernadette supplemented the training in person upon delivery. Officials, teachers, and of course kids are all excited about this gift. Check out the photos posted here of delivery and training day.

Donations are running on the low side so we're hoping to get a boost from you. I am removing supplemental materials from the donation choices and filling them in only with tuition fees, which is our essential need. It would be great if you could remember our project in your holiday giving (remember the Tribute option for gifts!) and pass along our need to those in your social circles.

I'd also like to announce that we have a new related micro project page here on Global Giving which I hope will be up and running by the time this report is posted: search "Fund Writers at Schools in DR Congo" (#12473), which provides pens and pencil boxes to each of our students. Donations for tuition remains our first priority, however.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters for caring about these Congo kids. We wish you all a joyous holiday season and a prosperous, happy, and healthy 2013.