School Scholarships for Vulnerable Youth

Location: Goma, North Kivu Province, Eastern DRC

Progress of our project:

In the concern of providing education to abused and neglected and unaccompanied children living in the streets who have little or no literacy skills, we offer now formal schooling and vocational training. The children from 9 to 14 years old are accepted into an accelerated primary school where they complete two years of curriculum within one year. The whole primary cycle is done in 3 years instead of 6.

Youth ages 14-17 years old who have not gone to primary school are accepted into a vocational training program accompanied with literacy courses. 

- Story of beneficiaries:

Kakule, ex child soldier, is 17 years old. He is learning mechanic as vocational training at Virunga center, one of Children’s Voice centers in Goma town.

 “ I was taken by militia from Vitchumbi, my village, in 2007 when I was 13 years old. In the bush, the Mai-Mai commandant had asked his witchcraft man to “initiate” my friends and I. He introduced strange products in us, to make us out of fear of our “enemies”. We learn to take drugs, to kill to rape women, he told us that we are protected and cannot die. In December 2010, when Kasse, my best friend, was killed in front of me, I decided to go away. I went to Monusco base and reached Goma. One day, the chief of Majengo quarter referred me to Children’s Voice center where I learn now mechanic. Now I am happy to be far from the bush. It was difficult to sleep well at night because of what I saw in the bush. I am getting assistance from the counselor in the center while I am learning mechanic.

- Accomplishments:

A new school program started in September with 907 children: 409 girls and 498 boys; 35 workshops training: in mechanic, carpentry and sewing. We provide to all of them health care by our dispensary and a psychological assistance.

- Impact:

The project helps 907 children when we planned to help 384. It is a 236% outcome. The reason is the increase of children in the streets and youth coming out of militias in the bush.

A secondary school program started in September with 57 girls and 54 boys. It is a quick program for those who have anybody to pay school fees.

Totally, we got 2219 USD from 53 donations, provided of 20000 USD requested for youth education, safe and healthy environment for vulnerable streets children living in the township of Goma. It is the benefit of the community of Goma and around. It is wonderful.

- Upcoming or past events

Many children are living on the street because of the political, economic and social problems. They are abused and neglected and have little or no literacy skills, now they will have education and protection from street violence.  Specially, they are prepared for the best future in the community.

- Thanks

We would like to sincerely thank our donors for this generous donation through GlobalGiving to the School Scholarships for Vulnerable Youth. Every donation helps ensure that we can continue helping our community.

Links:

• Children's Voice Website