Centre Orphelinat Tumaini was established in 2001 to respond to the growing needs of orphans in Lubumbashi, one of the largest cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The orphanage is home to 53 children between the ages of 3 and 18, many of whom were rescued from the streets or placed in the home by the government’s social affairs department (DIVAS).
Maison D’Accueil, meaning “House of Welcome,” is an orphanage located in the heart of Lubumbashi, one of the largest cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This orphanage is home to 118 children, ranging in age from 2 to 20 years old. Despite dedicated efforts, the facility struggles to meet the growing demands of caring for these vulnerable children.
Joel knows very little about his family or the circumstances around which he came to be at the orphanage. He was brought to Centre Orphelinat Tumaini as a young child and has been there ever since. He thinks his mother is alive somewhere but more than that he does not share or does not know.
He is currently in his 1st year of university and is studying Economic Science.
“Sometimes I have to wake up at 4 am to get to university because I have to walk a long way if there is no money for transportation.”
The transportation would cost about 2000 Congolese franc, this is the equivalent of € 0.82
“We face quite a lot of challenges; there are outstanding fees that are pending to be paid, so a big problem we have is lack of funds”
This is Joel
Nakuona – I see you
Paul came to the orphanage when he was 4 years old. His grandmother heard from the church she was attending that an orphanage was built for children without parents and that is how he came to be at Centre Orphelinat Tumaini.
“My father died when I was 9 months old and my mother brought me to my grandmother when I was 2 years old and she too died.”
Paul lived with his grandmother until he was 4 years old and then was brought to the orphanage and has been there ever since. He is now in his 2nd year of university and is thankful for the opportunity to study. He was enrolled into the university by good willed women who had visited the orphanage but the continued costs are a burden and he remains dependent on donations to complete his studies. Paul is unsure of what the future holds, but he is hopeful.
This is Paul.
Nakuona – I see you
Jean has been at Centre Orphelinat Tumaini for the past 6 years, this is the only home he has ever known. He knows little to nothing about his life before being at the orphanage. When asked about it, he simply said that one day he woke up and was at the orphanage. He is in primary school now and will live at the orphanage until he is 20 years old which is the age limit for all the children who are taken in.
“My prayer is that God would help me and when I grow up, I will also help others who come to the orphanage.”
This is Jean.
Nakuona – I see you
Recipient name: NAKUONA e.V.
Bank name: Spar- und Kreditbank eG
Account number/IBAN: DE12 5009 2100 0001 7676 07
Swift code/BIC: GENODE51BH2