The Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) has been in a constant state of war and conflict for many years. It is estimated that about five million people have lost their lives. More than 2.5 million people are displaced with the majority being children and women. Thousands of children have been forced into military activities. Most of them are boys, although there are some girls who were also enrolled in the army. Due to the loss of parents and frequent displacements caused by wars and tribal conflicts, a high number of children have had no access to education. This is true especially for orphans and children who end up on the streets where they become involved in drug abuse, prostitution, vandalism, and violence. Many girls, besides lacking opportunities for education, have been victims of molestation and rape, resulting in early pregnancies, STDs, HIV/AIDS, and unprepared early marriages. These innocent victims, whose futures are uncertain, deserve our compassion and concern.
Refuge and Hope, in partnership with Pastor Stephen Bamaleke of Shalom Transformation Ministries, is beginning a project to help address the situation in Goma, DRC. Refuge and Hope will be giving 20 youth who are either former child soldiers, or who have been traumatized by the war in DRC, the chance to have an education and learn life skills so they can have a better future. This project focuses on ten boys and ten girls and the goal is for the healing and transformation of these boys’ and girls’ mental, emotional, physical and spiritual areas of life so that they can live and thrive and make good contributions in their communities. Donations to this project provide for school fees, school supplies, school uniforms, medical expenses and daily living expenses. 
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