Since 2022, in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 7 million people have been helplessly witnessing daily atrocities: killings, gender-based violence (GBV), and burning villages. They are forced to flee to the outskirts of large conurbations. Among these people are, unfortunately, many pregnant or breastfeeding women, single mothers, elderly people, and people with disabilities, all affected by the side effects of war.

Chinelo*, 25, originally from Bweremana, lives in the Lushagala camp located on the road between Goma and Sake, North Kivu province.

“I was at the market when the war broke out, I fled following a group of people without knowing where they were going. I ended up in Sake, 25 kilometers from my village.”

Chinelo was pregnant, and during the journey, she often felt alone and disoriented. One day, JRS workers approached her to talk. “This filled me with hope. During the last months of my pregnancy, JRS provided me with psychosocial support, which meant a lot to me. Listening to the stories of others and exchanging experiences allowed me to free myself. This support was extremely helpful.” Thanks to relaxation exercises, she was able to feel more at ease. “I realised that I had to protect my child and myself despite the adversities.”

Through a project funded by the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), focused on secondary education, JRS also offers psychosocial support to parents (60% women), teachers (60% women), refugees, and displaced people (IDPs) from Mugunga, Sake, Sasha, Bweremana and Minova (North/South Kivu, DRC).

This project is possible thanks to the financial support provided by the Catholic Church, which allocates part of its eight per thousand share of total tax revenues to charitable activities promoting people’s development.

Currently, Chinelo sells firewood, and with that, she supports herself and her family. “I received psychosocial support and assistance tailored to my needs. Now I hope for my son to have the opportunity to access a safe and quality education,” she concludes.

*name has been changed to protect the identity of the person.