South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo feels like one of the greenest places on earth.
I’m writing to you after a lengthy trip through Congo visiting International Medical Corps’ work in this war-torn country. While traveling, I was struck by the stark contrast: green rolling hills for miles and yet malnutrition is a common problem for the people of South Kivu. At our health centers, doctors and nurses told me of the steady stream of emaciated children.
I heard the same frustration repeated over and over among the Congolese I met: the potential and desire for positive change versus the continuing insecurity after decades of conflict.
Chance, a student volunteer at International Medical Corps’ office in Bunyakiri, is fluent in Swahili, French and English and will soon graduate from college. Yet despite representing Congo’s promising tomorrow, he asked me: “How can I plan a future, when I know that my family is not secure?”
At the same time, I also had the opportunity to meet some incredible people striving to overcome these challenges and build a better tomorrow for Congo. Like Josiane, who specializes in helping communities combat gender-based violence. She says she knows her work is making a difference because “we see women coming here from further and further away, so I know that our messages are getting out into the community.” She keeps working every day because she believes that in 5 years, women in her community will have more rights.
Or the police officers in Bukavu, determined to break the cycle of violence, who brought their wives and children to our training to learn more about women’s rights and gender-based violence. The program works with police officers, as well as soldiers, religious leaders, lawyers, judges and teachers to turn community leaders into advocates for change.
So often people view Congo as a failed state, beyond hope. Yet to do so would ignore this country’s greatest asset -- the determination of the Congolese people to secure a brighter future for their country.
To learn more about International Medical Corps’ efforts in the Congo since 1999, and some of our inspiring staff working to create lasting change within their own communities, visit our hub page.
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Happy Mother's Day to all!
Jessica Capshaw
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 5 people have been killed in clashes between army forces and supporters of General Bosco Ntaganda (wanted by the International Criminal Court). More than 4,500 refugees have crossed the border into Rwanda with more waiting at the border. There is an urgent need for medicine, amid fears of looting of health facilities and widespread displacement.
International Medical Corps is monitoring the situation and preparing to deploy if needed.
Give today and your support can help us respond to crises like this in the Congo, while continuing long-term recovery efforts. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
To stay updated on our response, follow us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook.
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This Sunday is the Academy Awards©. Millions will be watching as Hollywood recognizes the past year's most acclaimed films.
That got us thinking: what if we could get even a small fraction of those millions to show their support for saving lives and rebuilding communities devastated by disease, conflict, and natural disaster?
That's where you come into "the picture".
Before the Academy Awards© this Sunday, we want to add 1,000 new Facebook supporters. "Like" us on Facebook today and help us reach our goal before February 26.
When you "like" us on Facebook and share our posts, you're helping more and more people to find out about our lifesaving work. And when more people know how they can help, we can restore health and hope to more communities around the world!
"Like" us on Facebook today and don't forget to share with your friends, so they can be part of the campaign too!
Thank you. We know we can count on your support!
2012 is almost here and we would like to take a moment to thank you for supporting our ongoing relief efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This year with the help of our amazing supporters, we were able to continue to provide care in the Congo and around the world, while responding to crises in Libya, East Africa, and Japan. You can see for yourself --click on the video below and hear firsthand from our staff on the frontlines, working in some of the most unstable and dangerous regions of the world.
And as we look to the future, we hope we can count on your support again.
Your generosity was crucial during our initial emergency response and it’s just as important now, as we work to help these devastated communities rebuild and recover. Please considering making a donation or using your new GlobalGiving gift card to help our rebuilding efforts.
Your donation will help us start 2012 strong!
On behalf of all of at International Medical Corps, thank you for your support.
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