KIBUMBA VILLAGE VISIT

Wednesday, 8^th February, 2012   

So special today to be able to drive outside Goma, into the National park and behind the volcano, Mt Nyamuragira, that erupted recently in November last year. 

We visited the village of Kibumba where HEAL Africa has established one of 31 Wamama Simameni  (Women Stand up Together)  Safe houses.  What a welcome we received of song and dance by a group of women, and as we departed, they shared their freshly baked bread rolls. The women are taught baking and other craft skills.

The safe houses are established for women overcoming gender based violence. Councillors work with survivors of rape and other violence to identify the type of care each person requires.  They are then referred for counselling or to medical or legal programmes.

There has been a reduction in the number of rape cases Since these houses have been established with couples being educated about their legal rights. The perpetrators are now penalised.

You cannot imagine the scenes of depravation we saw as we drove back along the terrible lava rock roads. Trees have been removed for fire wood, or have died from the drought.  Dust is horrific.  The villagers have no water, and crops have failed from lack of rain.  All along our route adults stood with containers begging us for water.   Yet, despite their extreme hardship, we were greeted with the biggest smiles everywhere we went.

In the afternoon, we went into HEAL Africa and met up with friends after being away so long, with hugs all round.

Tomorrow, we visit the school that HEAL Africa has established.

Many blessings,

Heather & David

Welcome from the women at Kibumba Village

Kibumba Village showing crops being grown