| Summary: | We provide SchoolKits: a backpack, uniform, and school supplies, for a refugee children escaping armed violence in Goma, DR Congo.
The SchoolKits are sewn in Goma by Mama Wimbi, a co-operative of mothers working to support and educate their own children.
The project is managed by Solidarite Bonne Volonte, a local charity, and supported by SewAid International.
More information at www.bonvolo.net |
| Challenge: | Our project addresses 3 challenges:
1. Families seeking refuge in Goma on foot have no bank accounts. They cannot afford school uniforms and supplies as well as food, housing and school fees for their children. In crowded classes, with water scarcity, it is difficult to wash one uniform often enough to prevent scabies outbreaks, so a spare is important.
2. Lack of employment opportunity sufficient to pay for accommodation and school fees, for the sewing team that we have trained in Goma, DRC.
3. Affluenza and powerlessness reduces the happiness and resilience of Australian youth. We empower them to make a difference. |
| Solution: | We provide a very user-friendly and educational giving experience for Australian youth, and other donors.
This gives timely one-off assistance to children fleeing war, who have previously been offered no help at all, and allows the continuing development of our long-term independence-building project in Goma. |
| Long term impact: | SchoolKit recipients can put the saved expenses towards paying their school fees.
If fees are not paid in full, the child has to repeat the same grade over and over, so payment means progress.
For the team, continuous demand means steady work and economic self-sufficiency.
For the team's children, it means a safe home, nearly-adequate nutrition, school fees and a working role model. |
| Sponsored by: | Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney, District 9685 |
| Other Partners: | Kowloon Golden Mile (District 3450) |