As you may have seen in the news, rebels have taken the Congolese city of Goma, approximately 100 miles north of the village of Mudaka, which is where our sewing and primary schools are. The rebels, called M23, reportedly are moving south to nearby Bukavu, the capital of the province where Congo Restoration founder Gorethy Nabushosi lives.

Gorethy reports Bukavu is overrun with refugees fleeing the violence in Goma. The area depends on shipments of food from the north, but the primary shipping channels — Lake Kivu and the road connecting the two cities — have been interrupted by the conflict. Food prices are soaring.

Learn more: What’s the fighting in DR Congo all about? – BBC

We don’t fully know yet what this will mean for the students and staff of our schools, but we serve 280 meals a day at our primary school, including breakfast and lunch for 140 students. With careful planning, we have been able to provide two nutritious meals per day, five days per week for $10 a month or $120 per year. But it is expected prices will double in the coming weeks.

Emergency food assistance

Feeding our young students at the Congo Restoration Girls School of Compassion is one of the most important things we do.

In a community plagued with constant food insecurity, most families only eat once a day. In 2021, we began hosting half-day instruction during the summer (think day camp) with the primary purpose of keeping our students fed and nourished when school is not in session. 

These meals are critical to our mission as they ensure our students are healthy and ready to learn. Even before this conflict, food was the largest part of our operating expenses. Our ultimate goal is be able to also provide assistance to our sewing students and staff.

How you can help

Maintaining these meals will offer our students a sense of stability and security in these uncertain times. The best way you can help is with a one-time or recurring donation. Your support has never been more critical. You can donate through our website below: 

Donate Here

We will send updates as this situation progresses. Please keep Gorethy and the staff and students of Congo Restoration in your thoughts and prayers. 

As always, we appreciate your help and continued support. 

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