Children at Risk Every Day

EVERY DAY IS FILLED WITH DRAMA AND DIFFICULTY FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN

“If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

In Kasungami (Labumbashi, DRC), as many as 85% of children cannot go to school, because their families cannot afford tuition, uniforms, or supplies. For those children, survival depends on finding work so that they can earn enough for food. Children transport goods (they are called “katako”), sell food, work in restaurants and homes, load and unload passenger buses, and shine shoes, or they find some sort of temporary job in exchange for food and money. Some get involved in hazardous labor, such as mining or filtering precious stones. Others get into selling alcohol and drugs, or prostitution. Still, many go hungry for days, and malnutrition is widespread, causing serious developmental issues.

Children's survival depends on their ability to find work

This situation mostly affects children who have lost one or both parents due to AIDS. Many orphans find themselves on the streets, which increases the risk of HIV transmission. Girls living on the streets (called “da mwizi”) may trade sex for money. Many are survivors of rape or multiple gang rapes.

Street children live in dirt and total insecurity. They have no access to education or health care. They are often victims of violence—beaten and kicked. Rarely do they see a doctor or get medicine for treatment of diseases such as malaria or parasitic infections.

Street children are at constant risk of abuse

Kansungami orphans and vulnerable children need someone like you who has decided to invest in the life of children in need. Your gift of $30.00/month would help us provide for school fees, clothing and supplies, tutoring, or access to a literacy program outside formal education. You’ll will also be helping us to provide medical and nutritional care, recreation, and spiritual development in a safe environment.

We work through local churches and Christian fellowships. We believe that regular correspondence, financial reports, and good accountability and transparency will assure you that your money is going to the right place and being used well. We’ll do our best as well to help you develop a real connection with the children you support through letters, pictures, and prayers. You can have confidence that you are investing in development of Christian leaders who could help to transform their communities.

Let us love our neighbors as ourselves and as we love God.

What Do We Do?

BIBLE CLUB

Saturday afternoons, boys and girls gather with friends for Bible studies. They enjoy playing games that help them memorize verses from God’s Word. They play review games that remind them of what was taught. They are given opportunities to receive Jesus Christ as Savior.

"Could you please give me water?"


"I can't give you water."

Through this program, children are getting the Christian education they need for their growth. They hear about Jesus and are encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship with God. They have a flourishing musical group, and they go on weekend outings and holiday trips.

THE GARDEN OF GOOD HOPE

Effective agricultural skills training programs are a key to development. Children are actively involved.

Children at work in the Garden of Good Hope

Empowering children through agricultural activities can be a means of job creation and have potential for income to help meet children’s needs. Vegetable gardens contribute to malnutrition reduction by providing community members with good food.

Watering the garden

Kalebuka Seminar

Rev. Maile, guest speaker at Kalebuka Seminar

On June 10, 2007, Child Action sponsored the Kalebuka Seminar in an effort to develop a common strategy to respond to increasing numbers of orphans and street kids. The seminar brought together 20 volunteers from local churches in Kasungami.

Pastor Maile, the guest speaker, is a member of Youth Ministries of South Africa. Based on his analysis of the on-going work of churches, he declared that church members must resolve to work on programs of care to ensure that our communities are fully informed about the reality of the HIV/AIDS crisis and acting to support and sustain those affected by the epidemic.

“All human beings are created in God’s image,” Pastor Maile said, “and therefore have intrinsic value and dignity.” He stressed that people infected with HIV/AIDS are loved and accepted by God and are full and equal members of the human community. He urged church people to be especially aware and sensitive to the special needs and concerns of those who are most ill so that “those who have to die will die in peace, fully aware that they are leaving behind a caring world for their orphaned children.”

“To leave such children unassisted,” he said, “is a moral dilemma, and there are also serious crime and public health risks to the community and society.”

“We must move beyond yourselves to serve those who need so much,” he pleaded.

Bro. Njimbu of Child Action and Rev. Maile visiting with children at Kasungami

Rev. Maile's Bible gifts to Kasungami Child Action members


The team; their mission: Proverbs 22:6