Balou: support 200 kids with disability in Congo

Dear Donors,

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a humanitarian crisis that, unfortunately, continues to receive little coverage from the international media. Since early 2025, the Rwandan-backed armed group M23 has intensified its military offensives in the provinces of North and South Kivu, capturing strategic cities such as Goma and Bukavu. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and forced over 500,000 people from their homes in the first months of the year alone. Currently, over 7 million people are internally displaced throughout the DRC. In refugee camps, access to essential services such as healthcare, drinking water, food, and protection is severely compromised, exposing the population to increasing risks of malnutrition, violence, and epidemics. On June 27, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement aimed at ending hostilities, respecting territorial integrity, and ending support for non-state armed groups. Although it represents a crucial diplomatic step, the agreement has serious shortcomings. It lacks concrete commitments regarding justice and accountability, and most importantly, it excludes the M23, the most active and violent rebel group, from the negotiations. Parallel negotiations are planned between the M23 and the Congolese government, but their exclusion from the main agreement raises many doubts about the possibility of a real de-escalation of the conflict.

Lubumbashi, where the Balou Center is located, is not directly involved in the fighting, but is still suffering the indirect effects of the conflict. National instability has caused a sharp increase in transportation costs and pressure on the local currency, generating inflation, especially for basic goods. The influx of displaced people from the most affected areas has increased the demand for food, water, healthcare, and shelter, exacerbating the hardship for the most vulnerable population groups.

Despite numerous challenges, daily life continues to flow at the Balou Center, which provides a stable and safe environment for over 200 children and youth with physical and/or mental disabilities. Every day, staff and volunteers are committed to providing not only medical care and educational support, but also moments of joy and growth through recreational and inclusive activities. In recent months, sports tournaments and educational workshops have been organized to foster children's socialization and well-being. Furthermore, an internal agricultural project has been successfully launched, with the creation of a vegetable garden. Its dual purpose is to provide a small measure of food self-sufficiency and to engage children in practical and therapeutic activities in contact with nature.

However, many challenges remain, especially in healthcare. Medical staff are insufficient to adequately address all the specific needs of the center's children, many of whom require ongoing care, physiotherapy, or specialized interventions that cannot currently be provided regularly. Furthermore, the rising prices of medications, medical supplies, and basic goods are further straining the Center's resources.

It is in this scenario that your support becomes crucial. Every contribution allows us to continue ensuring dignity, care, and a future for these children and young people, who face difficulties every day with extraordinary courage.

Together, we can truly make a difference.