This article highlights how World Vision’s Emergency Response project in Nyiragongo and Masisi is helping 8,000 crisis-affected households rebuild their livelihoods and regain hope. Through vocational training, income-generating activities and livelihood kits, women and families have gained practical skills, increased their self-reliance and strengthened their ability to meet their children’s basic needs. Their stories demonstrate how economic empowerment can restore dignity, resilience and confidence among displaced and vulnerable communities.

GAKURU’s story illustrates the devastating impact of conflict and displacement on children facing malnutrition in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. After recovering from severe acute malnutrition with support from World Vision, two-year-old GAKURU was forced to flee with his family when violence swept through his village, leading to a relapse. Through continued nutritional support and follow-up care, he eventually recovered. His journey highlights the resilience of children and families living through crisis, while showing how World Vision’s Nexus Accelerator Fund continues to provide life-saving nutrition support in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities.

Having lived through the 2015 earthquake himself, Surendra Ratna Shakya has dedicated his career to supporting vulnerable children and families through crisis and recovery.

In 2016, 37-year-old Koranic teacher Sidi Mohammed met with World Vision staff visiting his neighbourhood to implement sponsorship projects, raise awareness, and identify children in need of support. It was then that Sidi discovered an important model that marked a turning point in his life – the Celebrating Families approach (CFC), whose purpose is to equip communities to create a healthy and loving environment for the well-being of children.

When you meet Khanum, you will not even guess about the difficulties she overcomes, because she is always smiling and optimistic.