Balou: support 200 kids with disability in Congo

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!