At this time of year, many of us will be spending time with our families, enjoying the festivities and having a good time.
However, many children affected by conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo won’t be spending Christmas with their family. Fighting in the region has torn families apart and destroyed childhoods. These forgotten children are left to fend for themselves on the streets.
Girls are forced to be ‘wives’ for senior commanders, boys are forced to fight as child soldiers. Many witness horrific acts of violence and are often compelled to commit them themselves. The terrible trauma these children face is hard to imagine. Even when they manage to escape, they are isolated from their communities and struggle to re-integrate back.
Too often these children have nowhere to go but the streets. They need families and care, but instead are forced to beg and steal. The lonely and dangerous streets are no place for a vulnerable child to spend Christmas.
Help a child find a new family this Christmas
Foster families can turn these children’s lives around. Not only do they give them a roof over their head, but also an opportunity to start again. Surrounded by people who care, vulnerable young children can finally look to the future and move on from their tragic past. On Christmas day, they won’t wake up alone and scared but instead surrounded by people who love them.
Chance for Childhood supports foster families to care for these forgotten children. We also provide counselling, education and vocational training to give them the best possible chance at a bright future.
Your donations make a big difference. If you believe that marginalised children in the DRC and other countries like Uganda and Rwanda deserve a future, please consider supporting our No Child Forgotten Christmas appeal by making a donation today.
