War Child Ireland

War Child Ireland is currently supporting a number of child centres outside Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. War Child Ireland’s funds are invaluable for the construction of these centres, the training of its staff, and the protection and long term health of the children.

Key Achievements of 2010

Funding for rehabilitation of child centres

Ameema: Built Latrines and washrooms, rehabilitated classrooms, provided mosquito nets, bedding and kitchen equipment for centre.
Frère Marion: Built latrines and washrooms. Provided mosquito nets.
Père Monti: Funded building of water reserves; repaired structural damage to girls’ dormitory after a fire, and replaced their possessions.

Training

Trained all staff from eight centres in basic care of children and follow up to support implementation.
Staff from three centres took part in training and follow up to support child development within the centres.

current projects

Network building

Established a child protection coalition consisting of street children, educators, representatives from the ministry of social affairs and national NGOs, enabling children to present their experience to policy makers.

Campaigning and lobbying

Facilitated visit by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for street children to the DRC, the report from which influenced UK government policy.
Supported the negotiation of the release of street children following round ups during the election process.

Current Projects

Since 2003 War Child Ireland has worked with Abandoned Children’s Centres in Kinshasa. These centres are among the few places that children can find support once they have come onto the street. In conditions of extreme economic and social poverty, volunteers and church groups ensure that children who have been excluded by the rest of the society have some form of protection. Children respond to this care with trust and open-ness: despite their experience on the street, with the right encouragement, they are willing to become part of society again.

Funding from War Child Ireland has supported these centres’ capacity, both in terms of training and in rehabilitation.

The first democratic elections since 1960 took place in 2006: it is hoped that a new political climate will put an end to the conflict period. Kinshasa has remained peaceful following the inauguration of Joseph Kabila, and it is hoped this peace will be sustained in 2010, allowing for the reconstruction of the social and economic resources that have come under such pressure in recent years, the deterioration of which has led children onto the street. On the

other hand this process will take a long time, and there is unlikely to be a rapid change. However, this shift does offer children opportunities, and we hope to make the most of it in the new year, as the programme increasingly focuses on reintegration.

War Child has continued to support Ameema (Association des Mamans Encadreuses des Enfants Mal nourris et Abandonnés), Père Monti and Frère Marino – these last two are part of an umbrella organisation called OSPEOR (Oeuvre Sociale pour la Protection des Enfants Orphelins). With the support of REEJER (Réseau des Educateurs et Encadreurs des Enfants et Jeunes de la rue) and the ministry of social affairs, we identified four new potential partner centres – ADD (Action de Développement aux plus Démunis), AESD (Aide aux Enfants en Situation Difficile), COPET (Centre d'Orientation Professionnelle des Enfants Travailleurs) and MHEED (Maison d'Hébergement des Enfants en Détresse).

site design by Artizan Creative



	Home About Us History Current Projects Make a Donation War Child Music Contact Us	War Child Ireland is currently supporting a number of child centres outside Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. War Child Ireland’s funds are invaluable for the construction of these centres, the training of its staff, and the protection and long term health of the children. Key Achievements of 2010 Funding for rehabilitation of child centres Ameema: Built Latrines and washrooms, rehabilitated classrooms, provided mosquito nets, bedding and kitchen equipment for centre. Frère Marion: Built latrines and washrooms. Provided mosquito nets. Père Monti: Funded building of water reserves; repaired structural damage to girls’ dormitory after a fire, and replaced their possessions. Training Trained all staff from eight centres in basic care of children and follow up to support implementation. Staff from three centres took part in training and follow up to support child development within the centres. Network building Established a child protection coalition consisting of street children, educators, representatives from the ministry of social affairs and national NGOs, enabling children to present their experience to policy makers. Campaigning and lobbying Facilitated visit by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for street children to the DRC, the report from which influenced UK government policy. Supported the negotiation of the release of street children following round ups during the election process. Since 2003 War Child Ireland has worked with Abandoned Children’s Centres in Kinshasa. These centres are among the few places that children can find support once they have come onto the street. In conditions of extreme economic and social poverty, volunteers and church groups ensure that children who have been excluded by the rest of the society have some form of protection. Children respond to this care with trust and open-ness: despite their experience on the street, with the right encouragement, they are willing to become part of society again. Funding from War Child Ireland has supported these centres’ capacity, both in terms of training and in rehabilitation. The first democratic elections since 1960 took place in 2006: it is hoped that a new political climate will put an end to the conflict period. Kinshasa has remained peaceful following the inauguration of Joseph Kabila, and it is hoped this peace will be sustained in 2010, allowing for the reconstruction of the social and economic resources that have come under such pressure in recent years, the deterioration of which has led children onto the street. On the other hand this process will take a long time, and there is unlikely to be a rapid change. However, this shift does offer children opportunities, and we hope to make the most of it in the new year, as the programme increasingly focuses on reintegration. War Child has continued to support Ameema (Association des Mamans Encadreuses des Enfants Mal nourris et Abandonnés), Père Monti and Frère Marino – these last two are part of an umbrella organisation called OSPEOR (Oeuvre Sociale pour la Protection des Enfants Orphelins). With the support of REEJER (Réseau des Educateurs et Encadreurs des Enfants et Jeunes de la rue) and the ministry of social affairs, we identified four new potential partner centres – ADD (Action de Développement aux plus Démunis), AESD (Aide aux Enfants en Situation Difficile), COPET (Centre d'Orientation Professionnelle des Enfants Travailleurs) and MHEED (Maison d'Hébergement des Enfants en Détresse).
	© War Child Ireland
site design by Artizan Creative