We are so close! And yet we still have much to do in the South Kivu region of Congo! With your support and contributions (over $120,000 last year), our Congolese partners at New Hope Reconciliation Center (NHRC) have begun construction on the New Hope Academy in the regional capital of Bukavu. The first story is substantially complete; we plan to open the doors this fall! This school will enable young men and women from hostile tribes to live together in a Christian environment while gaining entrepreneurial and vocational skills. They will be equipped to build exemplary livelihoods, fostering a new generation of peacemakers in East DRC. God is at work!
But a school is more than just a building! NHRC still needs to purchase desks, chairs, materials, curriculum, and equipment for vocational training such as sewing machines, computers, and furnishings for the dormitory facilities. They also must hire teachers and staff to support the students. To accomplish this Congo Peace needs roughly $41,000. Your support is needed more than ever to make this school a reality.
In addition to building and equipping New Hope Academy, NHRC continues its vital work bringing the reconciling message of Jesus to the South Kivu area through weekly radio broadcasts, visits to villages and churches, and support of local agricultural co-ops.
NHRC’s Children’s Assistance program has placed 40 children, orphaned by tribal violence, with local families. Your support provides those families with food, school supplies, celebrations, and spiritual support and supports 10 children awaiting placement with families. These children receive love and provision at the NHRC in Minembwe (built with your support several years ago) until families can be identified for them.
12-year old Ajabu from the Babembe tribe reports, “I have new friends from other tribes-Bafuliru, Banyindu, and Banyamulenge-who are like brothers and sisters. I am performing well at school, and am dreaming to become a peacemaker when I will be an adult.” We hope to grow New Hope Academy so that Ajabu and his friends may come live and learn together in peace!
We – Congo Peace’s all volunteer staff and NHRC- are grateful for the faithful support of our donors! But we are still running with perseverance the race marked out for us!
Please pray and donate today to continue this vital reconciliation work and expand the vocational training to the young people from multiple, warring tribes. Through education, they can establish common ground and return to their homelands with skills and new opportunities for sustainable livelihoods to help break the cycle of poverty and violence.
