About Congo Children Trust
Our Story
Congo Children Trust supports vulnerable street children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our flagship project, Kimbilio, works in the southern city of Lubumbashi supporting over 500 children each month, with the aim of reuniting them with their families. Kimbilio runs an outreach centre offering food, emotional support and healthcare; as well as four homes with holistic family settings for children under our care.
Kimbilio also operates a purpose-built primary school in an impoverished area of Lubumbashi. We provide high quality education to former street children and children whose parents are not able to ordinarily send their children to school. This school is a life line in the area offering a positive future and hope to children who otherwise would not have the chance to learn to read and write.
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Since 2009, we have established a strong presence in Lubumbashi, impacting over 7,000 children. As a UK registered charity (No. 1121048), our initiatives range from family reunification programs, primary education, to vocational training in sewing and hairdressing.
Our Mission
At Congo Children Trust, our mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our model is sustainable, the leadership and team in Congo are local, and we prioritise local community involvement and collaboration with authorities.
Led by Carine Bahati, with strategic oversight from founder Ian Harvey, we ensure effective and accountable interventions that truly make a difference. We are committed to providing education, healthcare, and support to vulnerable children, empowering them to build a brighter future. Join us in our mission to create lasting change in the lives of D.R. Congo's children.
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How We Help
Kimbilio Day centre
We provide holistic care to children on the streets and try to get them back to their families where possible and appropriate.
Kimbilio Homes
At our four homes we offer children the chance of stability and care provided by the Congolese families who live on site.
Kimbilio Primary School
We provide a high standard of education to former street children, as well as local children who otherwise would not be able to go to school.
Kimbilio Young Mums' Training School
We offer hair and beauty training to enable teenage mums to have new positive opportunities to support their young children and prevent them from having an upbringing on the streets.
Kimbilio Sewing Schools
We provide training to mothers of children who have been on the streets due to poverty, to learn new skills which will help them to feed their children again.
Addressing Key Challenges
At Congo Children Trust, we are dedicated to addressing key challenges in the Congo. We strive to tackle critical issues such as child poverty, child labor in mining, inadequate education, child witchcraft accusations, and limited healthcare access.
Our efforts are tailored to combat these systemic problems, offering hope and practical solutions. Through our work, we aim to create a brighter future for the children of Congo.
Looking Ahead
Our action plan includes expanding in Lubumbashi, initiating programs in Kolwezi, and forging partnerships with the mining sector.
We focus on enhancing educational and healthcare services and developing our team for greater impact.
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Funded through UK-based initiatives and craft sales, our vision is to reach and transform the lives of 25,000 children annually across multiple locations, breaking the cycle of poverty and offering new beginnings.
