In
the mid and late 1990’s a staggering number of children flooded into
Kamina, DRC. Due to the violence, disease, and poverty caused by the
war, these children and thousands like them were orphaned. Often
following the death of parents, children are taken in by other family
members. Unfortunately the speed and quantity of children orphaned at
this time was more than the community could absorb. Hundreds of
children in Kamina alone were left without parents or means of
survival. In 1997 the United Methodist Church in the North Katanga
District responded to this need by opening an orphaned children’s home.
It began with one woman bringing six children into her home and by 2000
had become a full facility. Widowed women from the community cared for
the 40 children seen to be the most at risk.
Along with the children's home, the church worked to place other
children into homes in the community. Extended families agreed to take
them in with the promise that the church in partnership with UMCOR
(United Methodist Committee on Relief) would help feed them. This was
the start of the
External Feeding Program.
Last fall construction was
completed that increased the capacity of the home to 160 children.
Currently there are almost 50 children living in this facility with
many more who desire to be in the program. The goal this year is to
increase that number as we secure commitments from churches in the
United States to sponsor these and additional children.
Recently a volunteer partnership began between the home and the members
of the Kamina-Ville JPC (Young Adults for Christ). These volunteers are
constructing a garden, playing soccer with the kids, and telling bible
stories in the evenings.
Founder: Mama Nshimba Nkulu
Director: Mama Mujing Mwad
Supervising Caregiver: Mama Alfo
Caregivers: Eight widows who rotate shifts
Tutor, Mentor, and Volunteer Coordinator: Shabana Banza
Security: Four men who rotate night shifts
Volunteer Chaplain: Rev. John Mutombo
Wish List
• Long-term financial commitments from churches and individuals to
provide food, clothing, hygiene items, school fees and supplies, and
medical care for each child in addition to funds to support a living
wage for all staff.
• Sewing Machines and Materials • Tables and Chairs • Plates and
Utensils • School Supplies • College Fund • Crafts • Games • Soccer
Balls • First Aid Kits • Clothes • Blankets • Dining Hall and Preschool
Building
More Info:
A Day in the
Life (written for children)
Messages
from the Children
Children's
Home Report (includes operational costs)
Widows,
Orphans,and Strangers
Contact Taylor Walters, taylorwalters@yahoo.com, for more photos,
powerpoint presentations, and other information for your
church's/group's fundraising campaign!
