Democratic Republic of Congo | Project Updates
In April 2010, the United Nations described DRC as the rape capital of the world. The region of North Kivu has been described as the worst place on earth to be a woman, as it is estimated that over one million women and girls have been raped and assaulted since 1998. While these women have experienced more pain in these last few years than any person should in a lifetime, they remain strong for their families and communities.
Hope Connects and HEAL Africa have developed a project which will provide renovations to an existing, non-operating safe house located in a difficult yet strategic area of DRC. Giving to this Hope Connects project gives you an opportunity to make a difference in a meaningful way for these women and their families.
Within one year, this project intends to accomplish the following objectives:
- Safe House Renovation. The Kibumba Safe House will be fully renovated and operating.
- Safety and Refuge. The Kibumba Safe House offers a safe place for women who have been raped, or are at risk of experiencing sexual violence. Women are able to stay as often and as long as needed, depending on each situation.
- Continued Support. Women are offered medical and psychological support by trained counselors to identify and work through the effects of sexual violence.
- Education. Women will receive education and training in the area of literacy, numeracy and vocational programs.
- Counselor Training. Local counselors will be trained directly, along with additional counselors indirectly in the surrounding areas. These counselors will support the women who stay at the safe house as well as those in the surrounding communities.
For an update on the progress of the Kibumba Safe House Project, please contact info@hopeconnectsintl.org or follow the Hope Connects Blog.
