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In July 2020, the founders of Lights of the World Inc. took interest in helping an orphanage in the village of Mubambiro in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The orphanage had existed for some time, but was in extremely poor shape. The founder had just passed away, donors were few, the kids were on the brink of starvation, and they were facing eviction from the shack they were living in.

After taking care of their immediate needs for food and improved shelter, we decided to take a more active role in creating a better environment for these children:

We purchased 1 acre of land and built two modest houses to make sure that the children had a roof over their heads from which they could never be evicted.
We helped lease and buy seeds so they could farm a plot of land and grow crops that would help put food on their table.
We continue to send a monthly stipend, which takes care of most of the food needs. Occasionally, they receive donations from other folks, which helps get them thru the month, and at times, we have to top up to take care of other needs (medical, etc.).
We also take care of school fees. We are proud to say that all of the children of age are enrolled and thriving in school. A few of the children are approaching adulthood, and we are focused on providing these children with a path to adulthood. We have set up a scholarship fund to help pay college or trade school fees for these children.

Currently, the orphanage houses approximately 70 children ages ranging from 3 to 18 years old. Most children have lost one or both parents to the civil war that has been raging silently in this part of the world for close to 30 years. The number of children fluctuates as, from time to time, gives are picked up by some grandparent or distant relative, and new kids arrive all the time. Most kids have, however, been there most of their lives.

Typically, and very, unfortunately, once they turn 18, we have to send them away to make room for younger children. We are hoping to change that and to be able to offer a path into adulthood to these children.

How can you help? Simple…MONEY! Every bit will help. The 18-year-old that hopes to start college in January will need the $450 in December to pay for the school year. If you are looking to support a project within the project, that would be a good one to pick. Next year, more kids will be in the same situation. A nice little donation for a Christmas party would be created. $200-$300 will go a long way in making sure each kid has a plate full, a bottle of soda, and a little toy or shoes for Christmas.

We did that last year, and it was amazing to see the joy on their faces. Most of what the children need can be found locally, so there’s never been a need for us to send anything other than money to take care of their needs (so yeah, no need to empty your pantry or closets.)

Our involvement with the orphanage inspired us to grow our mission. We have purchased school desks for the Therese Mbala school in Kinshasa and the Janua Cueli school in Kananga. We are constructing a community center in the village of Mpongo in Central Kasai province in Congo, where the Farmers Helping Farmers program will be launched, and we are preparing a healthcare trip for the nurses, Lights of the World Program, in 2025. The needs are many, and there are good people with the drive and desire to help make the world a better place. We aim to create opportunities for those who want to contribute to improving the lives of others and those who need help.