By Ai Igarashi | Member of Advocacy Team
At Terra-Renaissance, with support from JICA, we recently completed a humanitarian aid project for Congolese refugees who have fled to Burundi. Over a two-week period, we distributed essential supplies, provided counseling, and conducted project evaluation interviews.
Through this work, we witnessed firsthand the harsh reality these refugees face. Behind the smiles in the photos are young girls who have endured the unimaginable trauma of sexual violence.
At the Musenyi refugee site, a critical shortage of medicine continues to claim lives. The refugees’ frustration is palpable, with some shouting, "The Burundian government doesn't take proper care of us! We’re trapped here without any freedom of movement - if this situation continues, we'd be better off going back to Congo!" The tension was so intense that it felt like a riot might break out. It was a frustrating reality to see even the most basic needs, like a pregnancy test for a 15-year-old sexual assault survivor, be considered a low priority in these circumstances.
Despite these challenges, we provided essential supplies and mental health support to 200 children. We also created temporary employment opportunities for 54 refugee volunteers, giving them a sense of purpose and a means to support themselves.
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues, and countless people remain displaced under dire conditions without adequate medical care, food, and psychological support. Rather than improving, their living conditions are getting worse by the day. Yet, they are holding onto hope.
Your warm support can be a beacon of hope for them.
Your donation will be used directly to provide crucial supplies and mental health support to refugees, and to create employment opportunities that empower them to rebuild their lives. Please, stand with us and support these vulnerable people in their time of greatest need.
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