A supporter's reflections on her recent visit to Kimbilio

This post was written by long-time Kimbilio supporter Sarah P., who was part of the Congo Children Trust team that visited Kimbilio this summer.

I had the privilege of spending time with the children and the Kimbilio team earlier this month. This summer was my fourth visit since 2018. For those children who have not been able to return to their families safely, it's been a joy to see those who remain in the care of Kimbilio grow with confidence and flourish in the care of their dedicated carers.

Many of the children were keen to share their stories with me. They described their harrowing experiences before they came into the care of the Kimbilio. Each child's story was different but equally traumatic in many ways. Even with my knowledge and as an experienced Child Safeguarding Worker, their experiences were so difficult to hear, and unimaginable for any child to have gone through, many of whom were also so very young.

Now safe in the care of Kimbilio, the children described feeling a relief to be settled and secure in the care of people who are committed to keeping them safe from harm.

Despite their trauma, each child shared the same dream of hope and passion for their futures. The gift of an education was clearly understood and cherished even by the youngest of the children. Their dreams of a better future lay ahead for each of them. I was moved by their joy of hope, not only for themselves, but also their wish and determination to give back to their communities once they were in a position to do so.

This was also evident when meeting with the ladies who had completed the Kimbilio Sewing Skills Course. On completion, each of the ladies receive a sewing kit, which includes a sewing machine, fabric, scissor and everything they need to enable them to start their own sewing business of making and selling clothes.

Alice, who successfully completed the course in 2018, proudly described how she'd been encouraged to build her own small family sewing business. As a single mother of three, Alice is able to financially support her family and extended family members. She is now teaching her daughters to sew, as well as providing additional support sewing advice to others who are completing the course. Alice shared she feels it is her responsibility, having been given an opportunity and help from Kimbilio, she should continue to share her knowledge and skills with the community to help others achieve and grow as she and her family have done.

Congo Children Trust has grown so much over the past sixteen years. From its beginnings in the day centre where children come to feel safe and have a meal, to the start of the building of the Vocational College, there is so much more to do. With the commitment from the Kimbilio Team, Congo Children Trust and those who kindly support the funding of the vision for the Congo street children, their future can only get better.

Sewing instructor Mireille (center) with Alice and Sidonay, two students who are wearing outfits theyd made themselves.

#DRC #DRCongo #Lubumbashi #Luowoshi #HautKatanga #streetchildren #streetconnectedchildren #socialimpact #vocationaltraining #sewing