Olivier's life has been very difficult. He was orphaned as a young child, and he made the decision to work in artisanal mining, thinking it would offer a better life. It did not, and his became a life of unbearable misery. Thankfully, after three years in the mines, Kimbilio's government partners at the Division of Social Services took action with respect to Olivier's circumstances. Now, at age 12, he lives with his uncle in Lubumbashi while pursuing vocational training in auto mechanics. He is picture below with other students. The situation at Olivier's uncle's home is difficult financially, so he has a continuing need for scholarship money to attend. Kimbilio will help.
The travesty of a youngster having already experienced so much hardship during his life breaks our hearts, time and again.
Olivier's experience as a child miner far from unique in our mining region. In fact, child miners exist in many parts of the DR Congo as well as other countries that have artisanal mining. Broadly speaking, artisanal mining is economically important as an industry, but is poorly regulated and poses serious safety and child welfare concerns. You can learn more about artisanal ming in the DR Congo on this linked page of our website.
These photos are from artisanal mining in our region.
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