The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been experiencing internal conflict, war and instability for many years. The town of Bunia has been the field of several battles between various rebel factions. Many killings have taken place, and this has left thousands of widows and orphans, most of whom are not able to meet their basic needs.
The Rehema Ministry selects needy orphans and vulnerable children within the church setting and provides them with educational assistance at both primary and secondary levels. This involves paying their school fees and supplying books and uniforms. These children will live with their respective parents or caregivers who will provide for their other needs. Local families have accommodated these needy children, but they are not able to assist them fully. They may be able to offer them shelter and food but cannot afford to send them to school. Some families are not even able to provide for the needs of their own children as the war has left them destitute. For the orphans the only alternative is to live on the street. The church is overwhelmed with needy people and the community is increasingly concerned with the many homeless children that are turning to crime to survive.
The overall vision is to demonstrate the love of God, to alleviate the burdens of the parents or caregivers who cannot afford to send their children to school, to rescue children from the street and drugs which will destroy their lives and to provide guidance and counselling for both children and parents so that the education will be most effective.
