After a challenging 2020 headlined by COVID-19 and flash floods devastating the area, which only added to the existing health, economic, and safety concerns that make day-to-day life more challenging than most of us could ever imagine, the Grace children certainly enjoyed their Christmas festivities. 

Thanks to incredible donor support, Grace Orphanage was able to host a Christmas celebration for the surrounding community, spreading the Christmas spirit to many who endure day-to-day struggles that would be hard to imagine. Approximately 300 children and 76 adults living outside the walls of the orphanage were able to attend the event, which included lunch, entertainment, and enjoyment for all that will certainly be remembered.

Before: After losing her husband 2 years ago, tragedy struck again for Chantal and her 6 kids this past April when their home was one of approximately 3,500 in the city of Uvira destroyed by flash flooding. Without a home insurance policy or the funds to rebuild, what followed next was truly remarkable. Every day for the next six months, Chantal used her bare hands to make mud bricks to rebuild her house.  Unfortunately, she was still without a roof to shelter her family from the elements. Grace Orphanage wanted to help…

After: Thanks to the support of IWOF‘s generous donors, Chantal was so pleased that her new roof was fully funded and for all of the help she received from the children and staff at Grace Orphanage. Her smile truly says it all!

What is so incredible is that this is only one of many families impacted by April’s flash flood who were helped out this year by Grace Orphanage. Following the mass flooding, these resilient children who have already endured so much in their young lives, stepped into action, first helping with relief, then getting involved with helping rebuild the community. Thanks to the children and staff of Grace Orphanage as well as the generous support of IWOF‘s donors, 125 care packages were handed out with tarp, mosquito nets, a bag of rice, soap, and a washbasin. The children helped to build approximately 20 tarped shelters for widows and replaced the roofs on 4 homes for widows, including Chantal’s.  It is truly remarkable to see that these kids have come so far and are now paying it forward in the community. This is a true reflection of the quality of the care, support, and values that have been instilled under the care of Grace Orphanage.

When the children at Grace Orphanage were asked what they would like for Christmas, their response was the simple bare necessities that we all take for granted – clothing and bedsheets. In response, this year some thoughtful young supporters of Grace Orphanage stepped up to help raise $50 each to buy a bedsheet and an outfit for a child under the care of Grace Orphanage. 

We want to sincerely thank everyone who supported the next generation of givers, which included 10 youngsters plus a kindergarten class, and are so pleased to report that the fundraiser was fully funded, with each of the orphans receiving a basic gift package this Christmas. Special recognition goes out to brothers Djibril and Dejan whose campaign not only raised an incredible $3,605, but also garnered media attention for their efforts, helping raise additional awareness for Grace Orphanage in the process. 

Your support for these amazing young kids has not only been appreciated on the receiving end in the Congo but has also gone a long way in helping these young supporters on the giving end learn that it is better to give than to receive, such a valuable lesson for their future!