our commitment in the democratic republic of congo involves developing and implementing comprehensive policies, standards, and procedures. these measures are crucial to ensuring a secure and supportive environment for all individuals involved in our programs, including both participants and staff.
our overarching mission within the drc encompasses various impactful initiatives. these include projects like the chakuishi mobile clinic and the bon pasteur centre, all guided by a distinct approach and supported by valuable resources.
making a difference through your contributions
your generosity plays a vital role in transforming lives.
we empower you to contribute by selecting or filling in your desired donation amount. consider making a recurring monthly contribution to sustain our ongoing efforts. we facilitate donations through secure platforms like stripe for credit card payments and paypal.
our focus remains steadfast on critical issues such as ensuring children are not engaged in mining activities. thanks to the dedicated work of the good shepherd program, over 4,000 children in the congo have transitioned away from hazardous mining work and are now attending school, a testament to our mission in the drc.
supporting programs for a brighter future
your support provides a significant opportunity to enhance the well-being of hundreds of children, women, and their families.
we are dedicated to community development programs specifically designed to address and eradicate human rights abuses. working collaboratively with local communities, we strive to eliminate child labor and bolster child protection systems.
this ensures children gain access to their fundamental human rights, including education and healthcare.
our multi-faceted approach to empowerment
we are committed to providing sustainable alternative income-generating opportunities and ensuring food security for families.
furthermore, our efforts are directed towards eradicating gender-based violence and combating discrimination against women and girls through economic and social empowerment initiatives.
our impactful projects and achievements
our initiatives span various critical areas, including:
- chakuishi social enterprise: fostering economic independence and community growth.
- mobile clinic: delivering essential healthcare services to underserved populations.
- bon pasteur centre: providing a safe haven and support services.
our integrated approach focuses on strengthening communities, creating safe spaces, and prioritizing education and protection.
we are also dedicated to establishing alternative livelihoods and ensuring effective management of our programs. these collective efforts have led to significant achievements, with 4,000 children no longer in mines and now enjoying their rights to education, health, and food.
additionally, 3,000 children have been enrolled in schools, having transitioned from mining. the maisha farm program has seen 95% of its members improve their family's food security, and 80% of girls have ceased working in mines. further success includes 600 women and girls trained to access decent employment and 250 women gaining skills for alternative livelihoods, thereby boosting their income.
measurable progress and community impact
our work has resulted in 150 families actively engaged in sustainable livelihoods and 5,000 community members sensitized on human rights and social cohesion.
importantly, women and girls have initiated their own income-generating activities, achieving financial autonomy. the "maisha: a new life outside the mines" initiative represents a significant step forward. we are also proud to be featured in media such as bbc panorama's "the electric car revolution," abc news' "blood cobalt: the congo's dangerous and deadly green energy mines," foreign correspondent, and cbs news reports highlighting children mining cobalt and stories like ziki, a cobalt miner who escaped child labor through our gsi program.
important safety and travel advice for the democratic republic of congo
we partner with bon pasteur kolwezi to develop and implement this vital program.
when visiting or engaging with our work in the drc, it is essential to stay informed about the local security situation. potential risks include indiscriminate attacks, and it is advisable to remain aware of your surroundings, follow local media reports, and adhere to the guidance of local authorities.
there have been instances of large and violent protests, particularly in kinshasa, stemming from regional conflicts. the presence of police checkpoints and increased security measures may be in effect. peacekeeping forces are deployed in eastern drc, and tensions surrounding their presence can lead to protests in cities like goma and kinshasa, sometimes targeting international actors or missions like monusco.
understanding protest risks and public gatherings
recent events have seen protests outside western embassies, and similar demonstrations targeting foreign nationals or international organizations cannot be ruled out.
public gatherings can erupt with little warning and may escalate to violence. it is strongly advised to avoid areas where protests are planned or occurring, especially in kinshasa, goma, and other major urban centers. this includes avoiding demonstrations, political rallies, and any large public gatherings.
navigating travel and personal safety
please do not assume that evacuation assistance will be readily available in the event of widespread unrest.
the drc faces widespread poverty, social exclusion, and significant health risks in many areas. rural regions may expose you to a higher risk of robbery or assault. transportation and accommodation options are scarce outside of kinshasa and larger towns; therefore, pre-arranging all travel is essential.
it is also recommended to travel in the company of experienced individuals or organizations.
respecting local customs and avoiding conflict
it is crucial to be respectful of local customs and land rights, including obtaining necessary permissions for any activities.
recent incidents have highlighted the importance of this, particularly regarding wild camping without prior consent from local communities. foreign nationals face particular risks of street robbery in urban centers like kinshasa and lubumbashi, especially in downtown areas near hotels and supermarkets.
be wary of organized criminal gangs who may employ deceptive tactics, such as using children, offering suspiciously low prices for gold and diamonds, or impersonating police or security personnel.
protecting yourself from opportunistic crime
robberies by street children are unfortunately common and can be aggressive.
in kinshasa, be cautious of individuals posing as taxi drivers or passengers, as these encounters can sometimes involve threats of violence. criminal activity has seen an increase in north and south kivu, with foreign nationals being specific targets. robberies and banditry are frequent in goma, particularly after dark.
criminals posing as law enforcement or security officers have been known to detain foreign nationals and demand ransom for their release.
vehicle safety and reporting detentions
while carjackings are infrequent, it is vital to keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed while driving.
be vigilant for armed gangs who might target your car or attempt to gain entry. avoid driving off main roads or parking in unattended areas. unfortunately, drc authorities seldom fulfill their international obligations to inform embassies of foreign national detentions, and consular access may be limited even when requested.
maintaining close contact with family or friends and asking them to notify the british embassy in kinshasa immediately if you are arrested is paramount.
legal considerations and photography
taking photographs of certain government and military buildings, especially near borders or military installations, is illegal and can lead to arrest and detention.
journalists must obtain the necessary local permits before conducting interviews or filming. while same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in the drc, it is generally frowned upon by a significant portion of the population.
adoption regulations and legal complexities
the foreign, commonwealth & development office (fcdo) advises against adopting children from the drc.
the united kingdom does not recognize adoptions finalized in the drc because the country is not a signatory to the hague convention on protection of children and cooperation in respect of intercountry adoption. the drc government has not issued exit permits for children adopted by foreign nationals since 2013, leaving many unable to leave the country.
furthermore, it is illegal for same-sex or trans-sexual couples to adopt Congolese children.
dress code and financial considerations
wearing military-style clothing could lead to misidentification as military personnel, potentially making you a target for attack or detention.
credit card acceptance is limited to a few establishments in kinshasa and other major cities. us dollars are widely accepted alongside the local currency, and several ATMs in kinshasa dispense us dollars. ensure that dollar notes are in good condition and issued after 1996.
outside of kinshasa, cash is the primary medium for transactions. it is essential to secure access to funds or make arrangements for emergency money transfers before departing the uk.
driving abroad and international driving permits
if you intend to drive in the democratic republic of congo, please consult the relevant information on driving abroad.
international driving permits (idps) cannot be purchased within the uk; therefore, obtaining one before your travel is necessary. car hire services are available in kinshasa, but self-drive options are limited. most car rental companies require the hire of a vehicle with a driver.