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October 11, 2023
We’re going to be regularly introducing one of our Care Workers from across Africa. Today we want you to meet Charlotte from Kitabataba Community in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“When I was a child I didn’t have any parents, but then I met people who helped me. When I grew up, I had a heart to serve others the way that I was served. This is why I became a Care Worker. I love the advice and counsel that I receive through the different Hands at Work trainings. Whenever I face a new challenge, I find comfort in God’s word and prayers from other people.”
June 13, 2022
To see Gerard* today, you would never know the malnutrition and years of sickness he and his siblings have endured. Their mother parented seven children on her own after their father passed away from tuberculosis. She always struggled to make ends meet, but the COVID-19 pandemic made things even worse. When others lost their jobs, they stopped hiring her to come into their homes to clean. However, Gerard’s family has miraculously been resilient through these recent challenges due to the fact that they have a friend and advocate in Ma Shallot, a local Care Worker. The children no longer suffer the same illnesses they once did when they were barely scraping together enough food. When they are sick, they now know where they can find help and medicine. Energetic Gerard, who is eight years old, is now able to attend school and is in grade 3. His demeanour has changed completely. Where he once was burdened by sadness and worries, he is now bubbling with joy and ease. He can depend on Ma Shallot’s visits and the other Care Workers to support him and his whole family.
– Kitabataba Community, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
July 6, 2021
Since 2019, Edison* and his siblings have been coming to the Care Point in Kitabataba Community in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They have developed a close relationship with their Care Worker, Charlotte, and feel safe to go to her house when they are struggling.
October 25, 2019
Kitabataba Community, Democratic Republic of Congo – Tragically, both of Gabriella’s* parents have passed away, leaving her under the care of her great-grandmother and her grandmother, who also have two other orphaned children to care for. With no income, life for the family is very difficult. But things have improved for 14-year-old Gabriella. Through the loving care and attention of Care Worker, Charlotte, Gabriella is no longer desperately lonely and instead has lots of friends at the Life Centre, where she enjoys a daily hot, nutritious meal.
July 6, 2019
Kitabataba Community, Democratic Republic of Congo.
When ten-year-old Alain’s* father passed away, his relatives forced his family to leave their home and took all of their possessions. Providing even the most basic necessity of food became a challenge for his mother, who suddenly bore the weight of caring for her family alone. With nowhere to live, the family wandered the community, hoping to find a place to sleep. Eventually a local church offered the family a small corner of their building, which they could only use to sleep at night. Although they now had a place to sleep, life continued to be extremely challenging.
It was in the midst of their desperation that volunteer Care Workers found Alain’s family and invited Alain and his siblings to the Life Centre. The Care Workers visit Alain and his family, not only in their home but also at the market, where his mother works, bringing support and encouragement. Despite life’s continued difficulties, the Life Centre has had a tremendous impact on Alain’s life.
January 19, 2018
Kitabataba, Democratic Republic of Congo
Ruth* is from a family of eight children but since her father’s passing, she was sent alone to live with her aunt. Ruth became malnourished and stopped attending school as her aunt was unable to properly care for her. When she returned home, she was brought to the CBO along with five of her siblings where she slowly regained her health and strength. The headmaster of the local school also stepped in to pay for Ruth’s school fees so she could re-start her education.
Children playing with their Care Workers
100 of the most vulnerable children in Kitabataba receive a daily meal, access to education and access to basic health care.
For many of the children in Kitabataba Community, the food that they receive at the Care Point is the only meal that they will receive that day.