Things are difficult in Goma. The M23 Rebels extort exorbitant “taxes” anywhere they can. They have been demanding $500 from BRIC as “taxes” on the BRIC enclosure for a 3-month period, for which BRIC has been putting them off, but the rebels now say the demands must be met.
I told Francois we could not afford that, and he should not be complicit in what the rebels are doing by funding the rebels by paying the “tax.”
The last we heard, Francois said the rebels have not taken it over, but due to current security development in the area, access to the compound has been restricted. The site remains intact, but access to the compound is currently difficult due to security movements in the area, although the area is under their constant vigilance and assessment.
Since about 5 boys were sleeping in one of the rooms in the BRIC “schoolhouse,” we were able to send enough money to pay for the rental of a small house (with a small bedroom and kitchen area) for 3 months, where they are living with their tutor, Moise.
BRIC also needs to pay for the tutor’s monthly fee and “incentive,” and for water and electricity utilities, and for their food.
Initially, we could only afford $150 to pay for the rental of the house.
We don’t know how BRIC is paying the tutor/guardian, utilities and food.
Indeed, they were not able to pay for the water and electric, and the boys and Moise were doing without them.
Francois did say that BRIC has been paying for a small amount of food.
We ended “finding” the money to send them another $150 to help pay for expenses. Everything is very expensive.
Moise (shown in the red t-shirt in the photos) is with the boys day and night.
All the younger children and youth are enrolled in and attend schools Monday through Friday, but are living outside of the BRIC enclosure due to security concerns.
The BRIC enclosure is being used on Saturdays and Sundays for the youths’ additional classes for therapeutic art, dancing, drama, social and emotional sessions, and the older youth are attending auto mechanic repair class in the BRIC enclosure on Saturday mornings and Sunday evenings.
During the week, the older youth meet several days at a BRIC partner garage for on-the-job apprenticeships to actually train to repair vehicles.
Francois said that “what we are championing here is not merely their immediate survival, but their social security for the future.
He said it is their fundamental right to education, health, protection, and dignity — even amidst the chaos.
A child protected today means an entire community rising up tomorrow.”
Following are stories about some of the children:
Hershing, 14, was kidnapped on his way to school by the M23 Rebels.
Two brothers, Raymond & David, fled after their neighborhood was attacked in the middle of the night.
Moise, 19, was kidnapped as a child and eventually found the courage to escape forced military service to the M23 Rebels.
Oscar, 16, is the survivor of a mass kidnapping event. He arrived traumatized and withdrawn, but thanks to BRIC’s compassionate listening, drawing, and expression activities, he is starting to smile and speak again.
Patrick, 14, was separated from his parents during a mass displacement caused by the war. While awaiting reunification with his family, BRIC supports him and ensures his schooling, like many other BRIC children.
As Francois, Director of BRIC said, “We don’t just offer them a meal and a bed, we restore their confidence, provide them with vocational training, education, and above all, a better future.”
As Moise said,
“We were born during wartime, and we grew up during wartime. [We must] tell the global story of all children…who only ask to live in peace.”
Francois recently said to our Board Members:
Thank you for your messages, which demonstrate a deep commitment to our cause.
Your questions regarding the BRIC complex and the children’s safety lie at the heart of our shared mission.
We understand if anyone feels concern that BRIC will use the money to pay extortion “taxes” on the BRIC enclosure to the M23 Rebels.
All we can say is that Francois promises that any funds will only go towards paying for the care and protection of the youth in their charge.
We at Relief in the Congo for God’s Children are all so grateful for your prayers, concern and donations.
With things as difficult as they are in Goma currently, we ask for your continued dedication to our shared cause.
Sincerely,
Dan Stout, Kayna Stout, Traycee Shepard, Larry Nelson & Yvonne Nelson
Fundraising Board of Directors for RIGHT — Relief in the Congo from Human Trafficking
