Empowering 200 women and 100 Kids in Masisi/DRC

We would like to thank wholeheartedly everyone for your continuous support for our project, which is to empower women's lives and the education of needy children in Masisi (Democratic Republic of Congo).  We are aware that many of you may be experiencing financial difficulties yourselves due to the pandemic, so we do appreciate your generosity, your encouragement, and your willingness to devote your time and your thoughts to the women and children that we are supporting. 

This last trimester has been a semester where we had to adjust and adopt new ways of working and supervision for the project. Some counties in DRCongo were put under * Etat de siege * among which Nord Kivu county. The “Etat de siege” is a legal device generally implemented by the government in the event of imminent danger (armed insurrection or foreign invasion) for the nation. The state of the county plus the COVID 19 pandemic made it difficult to do the physical monthly visit.

Nevertheless, we were able to continue undertaking the project and evaluating the progress of the women and the children in Nyabiondo. Foods stocks (rice, maize flour, salt, sugar, porridge flour) and hygienic pads were supplied every beginning of the month.

We were also assessing regularly the project's evolution as well as organizing capacity-building sessions virtually.

After the land preparation activities and the sowing of the maize seeds in July, other farms activities were undertaken by the mamas to ensure the crops are taken care of. Regular weeding, application of non-organic pesticides, mechanical pest control, etc. were done. All the 20 women divided into 2 groups completed these activities. They go to the farm 2 times per week.  This division has also helped us delegate responsibilities to the women and monitor everyone’s evolution.

We also had three Capacity building sessions where different topics were discussed among which agro-women corporation, birth control, and introduction to mental health.

At the beginning of October, we were able to do a physical evaluation. In addition, we noticed that everyone was optimistic about the project. They looked joyful and were excited to know what the next step of our program is.  Some of the kids looked healthier. We also observed a spirit of sharing, listening, and teamwork in the women compared to when we started. The farm was cleaned, well-taken care of.

We also provided clothes, jackets, shoes, school stuff, books, pens, pencils, some bags to the children in Masisi to help them resume school with school furniture. Jackets. T-shirts and adults clothes were also provided to the Women.

In November, we harvested our first production of the project/program. However, we anticipated a very good harvest, the crisis and insecurity in the village made it difficult. The top side of the farm was affected by robbers as the majority of the population hid while waiting for the crisis to pass. Luckily, we were able to harvest from the remaining parts of the farm.

In addition, the harvested maize is currently being dried and the women are getting ready for commercialization has the project aims to empower them by making them financially independents.

With each donation we receive, we become all that much closer to our goal. Thank you for making a difference through your compassion and generosity.

For the coming trimester, our actions aim at providing:

1. Capacity building sessions for the women in the marketing of agricultural products, post-harvest handling, and how to manage finances as they are approaching their graduation, hence developing and implementing a fund generating activity of their own.
2. Organize a Christmas ceremony for the children in Nyabiondo during the coming festive period.
3. More farm supplies such as maize-shredding machines to help in maize value addition and build a storage unit. In addition other farm inputs for the next cultural season.
4. School fees to help the children pay their tuition
5. Medicinal supplies as alcohol and cotton to treat wounds, medicines for malaria, diarrhea, typhoid, mosquito nets, face masks, and sanitizers for prevention purposes.

1. Let us note that we still need equipment that is more educational such as books, dictionaries, school uniforms for the children. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further fundraising.
2. Computers and the internet to facilitate communication with the women for the workshop lessons. Children to learn basic IT knowledge such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, google class, etc., will also use these computers.  . Our plans include making it possible for you to communicate  and e-meet with Women and Children in Masisi through emails and social media so that you will have evidence of how your contributions are being spent and you

 We thank you for all the kindness and that you are showing to the women in Nyabiondo village in Masisi. Words are fleeting, and we want you to know that a simple “thank you” does not do justice to how deeply we appreciate your support. Here are some pictures of what was done last trimester 

Links:

• https://childrenhopeforever-africa.org/