Hope for Congo: Bring Hope. Change Lives.

Dear Lobiko Community,
 

Every great story has a beginning. Ours began in 2020 alongside the Sanguma Foundation, supporting their children’s center, university, and medical clinic while learning what it takes to make community-based initiatives sustainable.

While we have made tremendous strides in the past year and a half, expanding our partnerships and investing in new local changemakers, today we want to celebrate two powerful transformations: the new Maternity Ward at Judy Medical Clinic, the Transition Home, and the way your support has turned small initiatives into lasting change.

Looking back reminds us how far we’ve come and gives us hope for what is to come.

With gratitude,

Wilita D. Sanguma
Executive Director

The Maternity Ward

The Roots:
The vision for Judy Medical Clinic began with Sabuli’s desperate walk. After a critically ill infant was turned away, she carried him for miles through the night, feeling hopeless.

“I stopped on the roadside weeping, feeling helpless and hopeless, and held Calib high above my head and offered him to my God, praying that it was up to Him now. I wept.” — Sabuli

That night, she made a promise: if the child lived, she would build a clinic for orphans.

The Start:
With the help of friends and supporters, Judy Medical Clinic opened its doors. For the first time, mothers had a place for prenatal checkups and safe deliveries. 

The Expansion:
Now, the clinic has a brand-new, expanded maternity facility. With more beds and a dedicated wing for high-risk cases, no mother has to be turned away. Judy Medical Clinic has become a regional hub of hope for mothers and newborns.

The Transition Home

The Roots:
The idea of a transitional home grew from the needs we saw as boys and girls in our care reached adulthood. At 18, they were expected to leave, yet many had no safe family to return to, no resources, and no guidance as they stepped into independence.

The Start:
A small rented house became the first transition home. It sheltered a handful of young adults, offering them a safe roof, structure, and mentorship as they navigated high school graduation and their first steps into adult life.

The Expansion:
Today, that seed has grown into a larger, expanded home. With more space, better facilities, and stronger mentorship programs, more young adults are now supported through their transition. What began as a small house is now a foundation for futures.

Greetings,

Every day at the Sabuli Children’s Center (SCC), quiet heroes give their time, love, and energy so that children can grow up healthy, safe, and hopeful. One of those heroes is Mama Micheline, the SCC Supervisor.

In this newsletter, we invite you to walk alongside her through a single day in her life, from preparing her own children in the morning, to welcoming dozens of little ones at the center, to ensuring that each child has food, care, and encouragement before the day ends.

Your support is what empowers Mama Micheline to care for every child, every day. I hope you feel as inspired as we do by the love of Mama Micheline. 

With gratitude,
Wilita Sanguma
Executive Director, Lobiko.org

Waking Her Children

The day begins with Mama Micheline waking her children, preparing them for the day ahead. She makes sure they have some food to reheat from the day before and today she buys some malaria medicine for her youngest.

Ready For the Day

Micheline starts with a bucket shower behind her home, packs her purse, then says good morning to the neighbors. She steps out to begin her commute to the center.

Warm Welcomes

As she arrives, the children, who are on school holiday, rush to greet her with hugs and smiles, their joy lights up the morning. 

Making Sure Every Need Is Met

Micheline is responsible for ensuring supplies will last through the month. She carefully distributes soap to the Moms for laundry and provides the food for the day, while checking off inventory and keeping track.

It Takes a Team

There is a team of caregivers, security, cooks and a teacher who work together at SCC. Everyone has their vital roles to support the children. Micheline connects with each caregiver to review how the night went and makes sure all the children are in good health. If any child is ill, they'll be taken to the clinic.

Joy & Soccer

Micheline observes as the children dive into soccer practice, their laughter echoing across the field. 

Songs, Smiles, and Cuddles

There's never a day without cuddles. Micheline cradles the babies in her arms, feeding them, singing joyful songs, and bringing the children the love they need. 

Encouraging Young Minds

Even during summer break, Micheline ensures the children stay engaged, supporting their learning with tutoring .

Smiles All Around

The children enjoy play as a source of learning and fun. You can't spend time with the children and not find yourself laughing and smiling. 

Waving Goodbye

As the sun begins to set, Micheline waves goodbye to the children, her heart full as she heads home to her own children. What's not pictured is the many nights she comes to check on the children late in the evening.