EPED Democratic Republic of Congo

The Context

A turbulent history and decades of civil war have ravaged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a vast African country. Following a peace deal in 2003, a democratically elected government is now in place, but violence, disease and malnutrition still claim thousands of lives monthly. The well-being of children is constantly at risk in this ongoing humanitarian crisis, with living on the streets, enforced recruitment as soldiers and loss of parents through war or AIDS being the reality for hundreds of thousands of youngsters.

The Project

EPED was established in 1999, and now benefits from the involvement of many local churches. Its aim is to bring security and stability to the lives of children at risk, in particular children living on the streets of DRC's capital, Kinshasa. A team of unsalaried staff and volunteers build relationships and offer practical support to street children, orphans, children affected by HIV and those labelled as ‘child witches', a common phenomenon in this nation. Advocacy and training on child protection and rights is a key part of EPED's approach.

Where possible, children are re-united with their family, who are then offered support such as assistance with school fees or income-generation. Foster homes are sought for children who cannot return home, and a short-term refuge for girls has recently opened.

Regular home visits to HIV positive children provide advice and friendship for their carers, as well as material assistance such as food supplements.

The Results 

• Contact has been established with many street children in the capital city. Many have been reunited with their families or fostered in other homes and have recommenced their schooling.
• Children living on the streets have access to basic medical care.
• HIV positive children and their carers are being supported practically and emotionally.
• Training workshops, on the rights and protection of children, have been run for church leaders, teachers and members of civil society. The issue of children being accused as ‘child witches' is being more openly addressed and advocated against with intensity.

BCT’s Involvement

• Guidance and advice in project management and development.
• Financial support for: team training in child rights and psychosocial support of street children; school fees; income-generating initiatives; first aid care for street children; reconciliation of street children with families; support of children living with HIV.

BCT supports Prayer for Peace in Congo