Concern's emergency repsonse in Eastern DRCongo
Source: Concern Worldwide - Ireland
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The Congolese people Concern are working with have
suffered immensely during the civil war and militia uprisings that raged through Katanga. People living in these rural villagers fled when they heard news that militia forces were on the way. Most of people fled to the nearby forests surviving on berries and nuts for almost two years, while the ones who were lucky to live near to a large town fled there and settled in makeshift
camps. It is only in recent months that people have started to return to their villages upon hearing that it is safe again. However, on returning to their villages, they found there houses
burnt to the ground, livestock and seeds stolen, and every other possession stolen.Four months on from Concern's initial assessment, in this area, the emergency response in Katanga is in full
swing. Concern's Distributions and Reconstruction
The distribution of seeds and tools has commenced. These distributions of seeds and tools are vital as the families we are supporting need to sow the seeds now in order to harvest the produce next February, ensuring that they will have enough to feed their families in the coming year.Concern are also distributing food kits along with non-food items. A typical pack of non-food items contains a set of kitchen utensils, clothes, plastic sheeting, soap and a watering can or jerry can. This ensures that the families have a starter pack of essential items which will help them to set up home once again.Road and bridge re-construction is another very important part of the emergency response. Many bridges have been destroyed by the fighting making many villages impossible to reach. By re-constructing these bridges Concern trucks can now transport the items for distribution to the people who are in dire need of them. During the initial assessment it became very clear that the people of Katanga wanted their children to start school again as soon as possible. Concern will provide the materials for these schools and houses to be re-built while the villagers will take part in their construction.Concern are targeting up to 60,000 people to return and rebuild their lives and communities.
The distribution of seeds and tools has commenced. These distributions of seeds and tools are vital as the families we are supporting need to sow the seeds now in order to harvest the produce next February, ensuring that they will have enough to feed their families in the coming year.Concern are also distributing food kits along with non-food items. A typical pack of non-food items contains a set of kitchen utensils, clothes, plastic sheeting, soap and a watering can or jerry can. This ensures that the families have a starter pack of essential items which will help them to set up home once again.Road and bridge re-construction is another very important part of the emergency response. Many bridges have been destroyed by the fighting making many villages impossible to reach. By re-constructing these bridges Concern trucks can now transport the items for distribution to the people who are in dire need of them. During the initial assessment it became very clear that the people of Katanga wanted their children to start school again as soon as possible. Concern will provide the materials for these schools and houses to be re-built while the villagers will take part in their construction.Concern are targeting up to 60,000 people to return and rebuild their lives and communities.
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