Hope in the Kaka 1 refugee camp in Dungu

Due to a lack of funds, the situation inside the camp is very serious and, despite the commitment of the UNHCR, all services, even the most essential, are currently missing. During the visit which took place in November 2018, the Foundation was able to personally see the problems present in the structure. The area is isolated and unhealthy. Dungu, the nearest town, is 17 kilometers away and, without any active transport service, can only be reached on foot. There is a complete lack of healthcare, there is no school (despite hundreds of children), there is no electricity or drinking water (the first well is 7 kilometers away). Furthermore, refugees are forced into purely subsistence jobs, even though many of them have a good school education.

Thanks to the contribution of Misean Cara (Ireland), the Foundation and the Augustinian missionaries in Dungu will begin a multi-sectoral intervention in 2019 which, we are sure, will be able to support the entire community. A basic healthcare project will begin in January which involves the installation of a small medical dispensary which will be able to guarantee healthcare twice a week (with a doctor and a nurse) and a psychological recovery path. The project also includes the construction of a drinking water well and a program to combat child malnutrition. As regards the work sector, a mill will be purchased and an oven will be built to make bread, a tailoring cooperative will be created and agricultural equipment and some animals will be distributed. Furthermore, it was decided to purchase 10 bicycles to help travel and “bring the refugees closer” to the city. Finally, 20 children will be hosted in the primary school in Dungu managed by the Augustinians and in 2019 we will try to open a school within the camp.

A simple project made up of small interventions but it will give rise to hope.