Source: www.persecution.org
Date: August 23, 2024
Featured Stories: A Sanctuary of Hope
DRC (International Christian Concern) — An orphanage in Kasindi, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, stands as a sanctuary for Christian children who’ve lost their families due to the brutal attacks carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
As families are torn apart, many children find themselves alone and without support. The rise in orphaned children is not just a statistic; it represents countless individual tragedies that resonate deeply within the community.
Tukunge Yatima Orphanage (OTY), an orphanage supported by International Christian Concern (ICC), helps numerous children haunted by the ADF’s attack on their village continue after losing their parents.
“Every child here carries a piece of their family’s pain,” said Desange Maliro, a dedicated caretaker at OTY. They are not just numbers; they are our future.”
Under Maliro’s guidance, OTY has become more than just an orphanage; it is a nurturing environment where healing begins.
“Now, each child sleeps on their own mattress since ICC has really given us parental support that no one else could,” she said. “The provision of mattresses to these orphans has really made them feel at home. We also no longer face the challenge of malnutrition like before because we always have food that ICC is providing monthly.”
ICC’s support marked a turning point for OTY. With available food, Maliro and her team can now focus on providing emotional support alongside physical nourishment. “Now we can feed them properly,” Maliro said. “We can see their smiles return.” ICC’s support also helps OTY provide orphaned girls with adequate menstrual hygiene.
Children receiving care through OTY are also thankful for ICC’s partnership with OTY.
“Before the intervention of ICC, life at OTY was difficult for us,” said Kasereka, a boy at the orphanage. “I used to feel so hungry all the time. The lack of food was a constant struggle; many days would pass with little more than scraps available for meals. There were days when they had to tell us that there was no food. Our eyes would fill with tears.”
Even members of the community have witnessed how ICC’s support has given the orphans hope for a better tomorrow.
“We cannot thank ICC enough for what they have done for our children,” said Jean-Pierre Ngoya, a local leader. “They have brought light into our darkest days.”
The partnership has even inspired one boy to want to give back once he can live independently.
“I want to be a doctor one day,” said 12-year-old Alain with determination in his eyes. “I want to help other kids like me the same way ICC is doing to us.”