Cinderellas of Bukavu

The story of Exauce is a significant example of the success achieved through family reintegration and support programs. His childhood was marked by deep vulnerability: at the tender age of five, Exauce found himself living on the streets due to his mother's severe mental illness, which prevented her from caring for him, and the alcoholism issues of his grandfather, his legal guardian.

To ensure his safety and development, the child was welcomed and sheltered at Foyer Ek’Abana, where he received assistance until the third year of primary school.

A crucial moment in his journey occurred following his grandfather's passing, when a more stable and protective environment was identified. Exauce was successfully integrated into a foster family.

Today, Exauce is well-integrated into his new family environment and shows remarkable progress: he regularly attends the fifth year of primary school and has achieved an emotional stability that is essential for his well-being.

Our support for the foster family is continuous and strategic, aiming to ensure the sustainability of the household and strengthen the environment in which Exauce lives.

Exauce's case demonstrates the fundamental importance of constant support in transforming the lives of vulnerable children, offering them not only refuge but a true opportunity for growth within a protected family setting. Exauce represents one of the many minors who, thanks to our intervention, have been able to rewrite their own future.

In the last few months, the difficult situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo has strongly impacted kids’ daily lives, as life outside on the streets of Bukavu remains uncertain and tense. Children are scared to go out, to go to school, or even to reach Foyer Ek’Abana. Their families are facing constant hardships: many have lost their jobs, their small business activities have closed down, and taking care of their children has become increasingly difficult.

The Foyer Ek’Abana, on the other hand, remains a safe haven. Now more than ever, the centre’s extra-curricular activities play a vital role. When the kids arrive to the centre, they are often traumatised, but as soon as they start playing, singing, dancing with their friends, you can hear their contagious laughter. Here, it is the only place where they can finally be children again and forget about the ongoing conflict.

The conflict has also further worsened an already critical malnutrition emergency, making Foyer Ek’Abana not only a place of care and protection, but also a crucial support for children’s nutritional needs, providing them with three balanced meals every day. In the past months, the staff has also increased efforts in assisting kids and families with ad-hoc support, tailored to their most urgent needs.

Even in this atmosphere of unpredictability, the centre stands as a beacon of hope and security, in a world of fear. Help us protect these children, unfairly paying the price of the war. Your support and donations can make a real difference!