Healthy and Happy: children's food security in RDC

Dear Donor,

With this report we would like to update you about the news coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo and about our project in the areas of Mabaya and Sambwa.

In the beginning of December, the fight in the east of the Country between the Congolese Army and the rebels of the Group M23 has restarted. The Group M23 born in 2004 is composed by rebels and it is thought to be supported by the Government of Rwanda. In the end of October, the Congolese Government has expelled the Rwandan ambassador.

Both sides (M23 and the Government of DRC) had been called to take part in a mini-summit in Luanda (Angola) on the 23^rd of November and it brought to a cease-fire on the 25^th, which has not been followed by the retreat of the rebels from the occupied territories. In the beginning of December, the conflict in the east of the Country has started again and according to the United Nations, 300.000 civilians have escaped in order to saves themselves from the fight.

Fortunately, our project is located in the South of the Country, but this has not saved the area from the devastating effects of climate change. The heavy rain has caused floods and it makes it more complicated to communicate. Despite these difficulties, our project aimed at promoting the right to food for children suffering or at risk of malnutrition is going on through the collaboration between Aleimar and AMKA. In November AMKA has also started the follow-up and training meetings dedicated to 13 mothers of malnourished children that will launch little income-generating activities in order to improve food access for their families. Promoting the development of productive and commercial activities is a fundamental lever to fight child malnutrition and improve food security for the community.

All this has been possible thanks to the help of all of you that have supported the project and that have believed in our goals!

Thank you!