At IWOF, one of our goals has always been to create lasting opportunities through education. That’s why we’re excited to share a meaningful step forward in Uvira.

We have partnered with a local school in New York and a school in Uvira to help strengthen access to education and create better learning opportunities for children in the community. This partnership represents more than a project. It’s an investment in the future.

Progress on the Library Project

There has already been encouraging momentum on the ground.

Our team in Uvira mobilized quickly and, within just a few weeks, made impressive progress on the new library project. This space will become an important resource for students and help support learning for years to come.

(You can view a short progress video to see how the project is coming together.)

An Update on the Situation in Eastern Congo

The conflict in eastern DRC continues to affect daily life. M23 remains in control of Bukavu and Goma, while government military forces have established a temporary camp in Uvira near Grace Orphanage.

At the moment, the presence of soldiers remains one of our biggest concerns especially for the safety and wellbeing of the girls. Because of this ongoing uncertainty, the children continue to stay in the safe house, where they have now been living for 16 months.

How the Children Are Doing

The good news is that the children remain safe.

They are currently staying in a secure location near the Burundi border, schools are open, and they are completing their final exams.

Even during this difficult season, the children and staff continue to serve others. Together, they remain actively involved in the feeding program and in distributing food packages to displaced families who have lost so much.

Moments of Hope and Gratitude

Amid the challenges, there are also milestones worth celebrating.

Three of the boys from Grace Orphanage, who are now now young me, completed their electrician training program a few months ago. We’re happy to share that all three have now been hired as apprentices with the Uvira Power Authority.

Stories like these remind us why education, support, and community matter—and why we continue moving forward together.