Each One A Blessing

At St. Kizito, Christmas is a time of gratitude and counting our many blessings. This year, however, Congo’s ongoing humanitarian and economic crisis pushed us to the limits. Continued attacks by militia groups such as Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) killed hundreds in Ituri Province and left nearly 2 million displaced in the hills surrounding Bunia. Like with any war, children were impacted the most when parents died or could no longer care for them while constantly on the run. Fortunately, St. Kizito was a safe haven for dozens of arrivals – most of them under two years old. In addition to the violence, global inflation doubled the price of staple food items such as meal and formula, causing us to scramble for additional funds to meet the pressing need. Right now, 117 children call St. Kizito home – the most we’ve had in years. Here they are safe and well-fed and receiving the best medical care and education in the region. And most of all, they are loved – each one a blessing.
 
We’re also grateful that despite the crisis, the normal work of St. Kizito continued. We finished a much-needed security wall around the complex. We completed a massive irrigation project to reduce mosquitoes and malaria. Our young ladies continued their vocational training in dressmaking and tailoring, and we continued to connect our children with host families in the community – 48 so far this year. Diapers were changed. Meals were served. Babies were rocked to sleep.
 
This is only possible because your donations. The generosity of your gifts – even if it’s $10/month – help keep St. Kizito prepared to respond to crisis and continue its mission to provide shelter, care, and love to our smallest and most vulnerable blessings. In the season of giving, help keep this vital work going. 

In gratitude! 

The Congo Kids Initiative Team