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When community responds: DRC’s peacebuilders face flooding and Covid-19 head on

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In Uvira, a city in the South Kivu province of DR Congo, we work with our local partner the Fondation Chirezi (FOCHI), to support those affected by war and instability to rebuild their communities.  

  • Published

    28 July 2020

  • Written by

    Peace Direct
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In April 2020, torrential rains fell on Uvira, causing flooding and significant material damage and loss of life. Responding to the impact of the floods, as well as the spread of COVID-19, FOCHI have adapted their work to support communities at risk.  

We recently heard from Flory, FOCHI’s coordinator, about the situation on the ground:

In Uvira, a lack of awareness of the severity of this disease is a real time bomb that puts thousands of lives at risk among rural populations.

Thanks to a grant from FRESH LEAF, FOCHI have been responding to the flooding and spread of COVID-19: providing communities with practical supplies, and raising awareness on hygiene and virus prevention.  

Here’s what FOCHI have achieved so far:  

  • In three locations (Rugenge, Kavimvira et Kabindula), 83 community members were trained on hygiene measures to prevent the spread of of COVID-19. 

 

They [community members] participated with great interest in the demonstration of the use of these hand washing kits and in raising awareness on the maintenance of the kit. – Flory
  • They distributed 22 handwashing kits among 20 communities. The kits include small basins, liquid soap and wooden kit holders. 
  • They supported families affected by the recent floods, handing out food and non-food packages consisting of corn flour, beans and laundry soap to over 70 households, and an estimated 448 people.  

  

At a time when tensions are high and local communities face numerous challenges to their lives and livelihoods, FOCHI is supporting communities to stay safe and keep the COVID-19 and its negative impact at bay. Bringing communities together in challenging times is vital to build trust, understanding, and peace.  

Read more about how we are working with our partners in DR Congo, in our Impact Report:

 Read our Impact Report today

 

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