DR Congo: From Struggle to Hope: A Mother's Journey in Gemena
By Didier Nagifi, Communications officer
In Gemena, a town in the South Ubangi province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Catherine is raising her five children on her own. Life was once a daily struggle.
“Since my husband abandoned us, I didn’t know what to do,” she recalls, emotion heavy in her voice. “My biggest concern was my children’s survival and education. They barely had enough to eat, and I had nothing left to give”, she says.
Everything began to change when her 9-year-old son, Moïse, was enrolled in World Vision’s sponsorship program through the Chosen approach. Catherine accompanied him to the Chosen Event, unaware that it would be a turning point in their lives.
“When Moïse chose his sponsor, he was so happy. He said, ‘Mom, I have a sponsor!’ I had no idea how much this would change for our family.”
Through the sponsorship program, World Vision provided the family with land to grow maize, along with seeds and essential farming tools. More importantly, Catherine and other parents were trained in modern agricultural techniques through a farmer field school.
“Before, I farmed without any real method,” she explains. “Thanks to the training, I learned how to farm efficiently. The results were incredible.”
Their first harvest yielded 500 kilograms of maize, a life-changing success.
“It was a blessing! I could finally feed my children, pay for their education, buy them clothes, and even care for them when they were sick.”, she rejoice.
But the transformation didn’t stop there. Catherine was able to fulfill a long-held dream: she returned to school and earned a diploma in nutrition.
With the income from her thriving farm, she built a new home for her family.
“Before, we lived in poor conditions. Now, we have a house that protects us from the rain and wind.”
To further improve her financial stability, Catherine joined a World Vision-supported Savings Group.
“This taught me how to manage my income, save, and plan for the future. Today, I can secure a better future for my children with confidence.”
Moïse is flourishing.
“I love reciting in French!” he says with a bright smile.
“One day, I want to become a doctor and help children in my community.”
His younger brother, 6-year-old Japhet, is passionate about history and dreams of becoming a teacher.
The future continues to look promising for Catherine and her children. Soon, she will harvest her cassava crop, another source of income to support their growing needs.
Beaming with gratitude, Catherine shares her greatest hope:
“I want to see my children succeed, and I dream of continuing my university studies in nursing.”
She ends with a heartfelt message:
“Thank you to the sponsors and World Vision. Because of you, my children are in school, we have enough to eat, and we can dream again. You’ve given us hope and the strength to believe in tomorrow.”