Meet Kongolo

This is Kongolo Albert, who just celebrated his 7th birthday. He likes to play soccer, and playing with kids in his neighborhood. His siblings are also sponsored by The City of Refuge, and all get to live together. Last summer, he got an infected hand just as the team from the United States was coming to visit. Geiger helped him to get to the doctor, and now his hands are healed, which is good because he needs them to be able to play!

 

Projects

Kamina Congo (DRC) Project

We have purchased a nearly 3-acre plot of land in Kamina and have plans to build a community crisis center. Currently, the property is surrounded by an eight-foot high solid brick security wall. There is also a gardening shed, and the property is used for our agricultural development program. Based on evidence that orphanages are not the most conducive to child development, we do not plan to use the land to build an orphanage. Our children have all been placed in loving foster homes throughout Kamina. The children continue to have regular contact with each other and with our Field Representative.

 

Agricultural Development

With the help of generous donations, we have finished the construction of a storage shed, have purchased garden tools and seeds, and have begun an agricultural development project on our land. This project provides many people with practical skills, and food grown will be used to supplement food given to our orphans. Donate to our Agricultural Development fund.

 

New Building For Training & School

Our land site is currently a common gathering place for our orphans and their foster families. Now that the security wall is completed, our goal is to begin constructing a Community Crisis Center, where we can begin emergency community feeding programs, medical assistance, environmental disaster relief, and a variety of types of education and skills training. This site is also a gathering place for our orphans and their foster families. Every dollar goes a long way in our building project. Donate to our Crisis Center.

 

Child Sponsorship

With your help, we are working to keep our 110 orphans well by providing food, clothing, education, immunizations and mosquito nets, and general medical care. Our children live in foster families, but have regular contact with each other. Also, foster families currently participate in training seminars on a biyearly basis. Our hope is to continue to expand the number of children under our care, and that’s where your help is very much needed. Monthly sponsorship funds make a difference! Download our brochure to get started or donate directly online!

 

Livestock Development

Donations allow for the purchase of goats, which are then given to pre-screened families in the community. In exchange, the families must give one offspring back to the COR within one year. Offspring will then be passed on to other families. Many thanks to those who have already contributed to this needy fund. Our first goats have had many "kids," and over 50 families are already benfiting from this great program. By next year, that 50 will easily double to 100!

Click here to purchase a goat.

 

 

High School Scholarships

A new scholarship program has enabled 14 additional youth, some orphans as well, to enroll in high school. Scholars are selected based on financial need, character, and merit. Scholars are given optional college scholarships after successful completion of high school. Two of our scholars are now enrolled in their first year of college and are doing very well!

Each scholar receives clothing, shoes, immunizations, uniforms and school tuition and fees! Funds come from generous donors and COR volunteers collecting and recycling your bottles and cans. Thanks to these efforts, we now have enough money to fund at least 2 1/2 years of schooling for these youth. Our goal is to raise enough money to fund the full four years of high school, and college for those who wish to continue their education.

A little recycling can go a long way. Follow this link to find out where to donate your bottles and cans!

 

Women's Empowerment Initiative

As in many developing countries, women in the DRC often carry a heavy burden. We are committed to empowering women by funding various grassroots, small business initiatives.

Our program allows for women entrepeneurs to request business items and funds to help get their business started.

Currently, a number of young women are regularly attending workshops to learn seamstress skills, and many have already sewn full outfits! Be sure to visit our Gallery to see recent photos of the project. We are continuing to collect funds to help purchase additional sewing machines for young women in our program. A sewing machine costs only $150, but can make a huge difference in the life of a woman. Click here to purchase a sewing machine.

This holiday season, we are selling reusable cotton totes with our logo on them at the Heart to Heart Sale. We are planning to have them available through our website soon as well.