Support 20 Deaf-Blind Children in Goma: Act Now

1. Context and Justification

In Goma, located in North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deaf-blind children are among the most vulnerable groups. In a context marked by instability, poverty, and the effects of conflict, these children often face isolation, neglect, and sometimes violence.
The lack of adapted structures and trained personnel further increases their exclusion from education and society.

2. Project Overview

The “Listening and Solidarity” project aims to support 20 deaf and deaf-blind children in Goma through educational, psychosocial, and community-based assistance.
It is implemented in collaboration with the local center NGUVU YETU, which plays a key role but operates with very limited resources.

3. Project Objectives

• Improve access to adapted education for children with sensory disabilities
• Provide regular psychosocial support
• Strengthen the capacity of the NGUVU YETU center
• Promote social inclusion and community awareness
• Support children’s autonomy and dignity

4. Beneficiaries

The project directly targets 20 deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deaf-blind children, as well as their families. Indirect beneficiaries include the local community through awareness and inclusion activities.

5. Main Activities

• Identification of trained facilitators and learners
• Implementation of adapted learning sessions
• Individual psychosocial follow-up
• Capacity building for the NGUVU YETU center
• Community awareness campaigns on disability inclusion
• Support for social integration and autonomy

6. Budget and Funding

The total project budget is estimated at USD 5,000.
To date, USD 200 has already been raised through collaboration with GlobalGiving, which plays an important role in mobilizing international support.
We remain confident that, through this partnership, the full funding goal will be achieved.

7. Current Status

The project is currently in the preparation phase, including:

• Identification of trainers
• Selection of beneficiaries
• Planning of activities
  The official launch is scheduled for November 2025.

8. Expected Results

• Improved learning abilities among children
• Reduced social isolation
• Strengthened NGUVU YETU center
• Greater inclusion of children in the community
• Increased awareness of sensory disabilities

9. Partnership and Transparency

The collaboration with GlobalGiving enhances transparency and strengthens international donor engagement. It ensures proper monitoring of funds and project outcomes.

10. Acknowledgements and Call for Support

We express our sincere gratitude to all donors who have already contributed to this initiative. Your support, no matter how small, brings real hope to these often-forgotten children.

We warmly call upon individuals, partners, and organizations: join us in giving these children a chance to live with dignity, learn, and thrive.

Every contribution matters. Together, we can transform lives.

Thank you for your solidarity and commitment to the children of Goma.

Introduction

The “Listening and Solidarity” project aims to support 20 deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deaf-blind children in Goma, North Kivu (DRC). These children live in extremely vulnerable conditions marked by instability, violence, and the absence of adequate support structures. Our initiative seeks to provide them with a safe environment, educational guidance, psychosocial support, and a real opportunity for inclusion.

Context and Challenges

In Goma, children with sensory disabilities are among the most marginalized.
They face isolation, social rejection, abuse, and a complete lack of access to education and healthcare.
Aggravating factors include:

• ongoing armed conflict,
• frequent consanguineous marriages in certain areas,
• the absence of adapted infrastructure,
• limited local resources.

The NGUVU YETU center, one of the few places dedicated to these children, operates with very limited means, making it difficult to support many of those in need.

Overall Objective of the Project

To provide these 20 children with the support they need to:

• learn to communicate,
• develop autonomy,
• access psychosocial assistance,
• benefit from a safe and caring environment,
• gradually integrate into their community.

Planned Activities

The project will strengthen the capacity of the NGUVU YETU center by:

• improving its basic reception infrastructure,
• training specialized staff for deaf and deaf-blind child support,
• ensuring appropriate psychosocial care,
• raising awareness among families and the community to reduce stigma,
• offering individualized follow-up based on each child’s needs.

We are currently in the phase of identifying trainers and learners.
The official project start is planned for November 2025.

Budget and Progress

• Total budget: USD 5,000
• Amount already raised: USD 199

Thanks to our collaboration with GlobalGiving, we are confident that we will reach our fundraising goal. Their platform provides us with increased visibility and stronger credibility among international donors.

Expected Impact

This project will help create:

• a safe learning environment,
• greater social inclusion,
• reduced stigma,
• a more autonomous and dignified future for the children.

In the long term, it will help build a local culture of inclusion and respect for people with disabilities.

Call to Donors

We sincerely call on all individuals touched by this cause:
Your support can transform the lives of children who have never had the chance to be understood or heard.
Every contribution, even small, directly helps provide education, guidance, and a rightful place in society for these children.

Acknowledgements

We express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has already contributed.
Your generosity represents a door to hope, dignity, and a possible future for these children.

Together, with GlobalGiving and committed donors, we can change their story.