Balou: support 200 kids with disability in Congo

This time we bring you good news: Francesco and Giovanni, the Congo country manager and a volunteer friend, were the first in July 2021, from the beginning of the pandemic, to visit the projects operating in Congo thanks to a relaxation of the restrictions. They were surprised by the massive prevention measures applied by the airports, but fortunately they found that the Congolese lived as usual, wearing masks only when needed in public because the number of confirmed cases of the virus was still low.
Already on the first day of arrival they knew they had to start dividing all the equipment (health, education and clothing) sent by container between all the centers supported: the Balou Center, the Maison Laura reception house and the mission of the Augustinian Sisters. In addition to the electrocardiograph and milk sent via the container, our volunteers also brought medicines and a contribution of $ 1000 USD.
During their stay, the volunteers collected photographic and numerical documentation on the installation of the photovoltaic system: which and how many electronic devices are needed, the energy expenditure, the surface and the orientation of the roofs for the installation of the panels. Thanks to the collaboration with an Italian company that supports solidarity projects and that will help us in finding materials and installation / maintenance, the goal is to buy the plant by the end of the year and make it operational by next spring.
Thanks to your support, from 20 June to 20 September 2021, Aleimar raised USD $ 292 which allows us to continue to provide materials for the photovoltaic system, medical equipment for the children of Balou.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to government official statements, the pandemic seems to be under control and it has not yet seriously affected the population. The government has extended the state of emergency for a further 20 days since the 6th of May. However, all the measures universally adopted are in place: the use of masks (for those who can afford them), social distancing, washing and sterilization of the hands and night curfew. World Health Organization currently reports about 30.000 confirmed Covid cases with 774 deaths. The demand of medicinal, gauze, scrubs, disinfectants is high but these products are difficult to be found or are really expensive.

The real problem of the pandemic in Congo up to now does not refer to the number of infections; it rather concerns its collateral effects: foreigners that worked in mines and in many business activities have come back to their home country and this increased the poverty level of DRC. Moreover, because of the further devaluation of the Congolese Franc, a large part of the population has great difficulties in finding basic necessities and the consequence is the increase in crime, theft, pickpocketing and aggression.

This instable situation is worsened by attacks of armed bands that exploits country’s natural resources and abduct members of the local population. To this is related the sad news of the death of the Italian Ambassador in Congo Luca Attanasio, the Italian policeman Vittorio Iacovacci and their Congolese driver Mustapha Milambo last February in Goma (in one of the most dangerous part of the country), while they were delivering food aid to the most vulnerable part of the population of DRC.

Fortunately, in Balou center the situation is calm and no Covid-19 cases have been registered. For next July is planned the visit of the center by our project manager with an expert in order to define the energy dimensioning plan and then we will proceed with the purchase of the materials in order to be able to install the photovoltaic system next year.

When we met Ambassador Attanasio, we were surprised by his humanity, his professionalism and his attention to the activities implemented by all the Italian associations and ONGs operating in the country. His invitation was to continue to help the Congolese people also by networking among us and this will be what Aleimar will continue to do, in particular thanks to your support!