ORPHAN CRISIS IN DR CONGO
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been in a state of conflict and chaos since 1998, which marks the beginning of the Second Congo War. More than 5 million people have died in this conflict, making it one of the world’s deadliest wars. A striking 47% of those deaths were children under the age of five. Today, the nation remains in a state of desperation. Nearly 1 million people in the Congo have been displaced, forced to leave their homes. As a result, poverty, insecurity, sexual violence, and lack of social services have all taken a toll, according to a report from UNICEF.
Among the many contributing factors to the orphan crisis in the Congo, HIV/ AIDS is one of the biggest. There are approximately 1,100,000 people living with HIV in DR Congo, and over 700,000 children are left orphaned by the disease. These children, at no fault of their own, face discrimination and are often marginalized because of the culture’s stigma that blames AIDS orphans of committing witchcraft or sorcery. Orphaned and abandoned children are extremely vulnerable to dangers such as trafficking, recruitment as child soldiers, child labor, and abuse. These children rely on homes such as Open Spring Orphanage (formerly Kibi’s Compassion Orphanage) for immediate relief from the harsh realities they would otherwise face.
OPEN SPRING ORPHANGE
Open Spring Orphanage (formerly Kibi’s Compassion orphanage) is an non profit organization under the Church of God World Missions/ East DRC that started with a mission to take care of orphaned and abandoned children in DR Congo. Many parents have passed away due to war and sickness. Children are abandoned due to poverty and tough life conditions. The church decided to set this ministry apart in order to address this issue and be a source of help for these children. Recently, residents of this community in DR Congo celebrated the completion of a building project that will house over 80 children. For them, this building is a symbol of hope in the midst of violence and poverty. Now that the building is completed, their efforts will be concentrated on gathering the resources to provide for the basic needs of the children who will be occupying the home, their school fees and necessary health care. In addition to the orphanage, hundreds of widows and children continue to gather at the church and school to receive food and clothing. Dedicated volunteers of the church continue to seek donations for food and clothing to replenish their supply. Please continue to pray with us that they are successful in obtaining the local and global support to have enough provisions for the growing need.
Serving Orphans Worldwide travels to every orphanage we partner with to ensure needs are legitimate and 100% of funds distributed goes to the livelihood of the children.
PROMINENT ISSUES
Double Orphaned
The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to more than 20,000 children who wander the streets alone. Most of these children have been double orphaned because they have lost both parents due to war and disease.
War
The biggest issue faced in the Democratic Republic of Congo is war. The essence of war has left the country broken with a multitude of issues. Because of this, children were orphaned and left to defend themselves from the harsh realities of life.
HIV/AIDS
According to UNAIDS, nearly 440,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in the DRC, with 15% of them being children. The source also reports that 350,000 children have been orphaned by the disease.
WE BELIEVE
HOME
Recently, a permanent building with room for over 80 children was completed and dedicated. Since there is so much violence and political instability in the part of the world, a security wall surrounds the home, making it a safe haven for all children and staff.
HEALTH
Access to healthcare can be challenging in this part of the world. However, Open Spring Orphanage strives to make it possible for every child to receive recommended checkups and medical treatment when needed. This is an area of this ministry that can be improved with additional funding and support.
FAITH
As a Christian ministry, Open Spring Orphanage believes that at the heart of true healing is knowing the unconditional love of Jesus. Those serving in the ministry show them the love of Christ by loving them unconditionally and sharing with them the hope found in Him.
EDUCATION
Open Spring believes that education and literacy is one of the main components of helping these children reach their full potential. Children attend on site classes or public school, depending on their grade and whether there is enough support to cover their school fees.
