January 26 th , 2025 was a Sunday like any other with the sound of children’s laughter filling HEAL Africa. Hundreds of children were in the Sunday School complex while patients, staff, and visitors were worshipping in HEAL Africa’s chapel next door. Songs and praises echoed from the church as children having finished their lessons were lining up for milk and bread, all unaware of the dark cloud that was about to descend.

Without warning, the air was shattered by the deafening of gunshots and bombs. Panic gripped the entire city of Goma instantly! The streets outside became a battlefield and we knew that many of us were not going home that day, especially those children without families.

A Place of Refuge Amid the Violence

HEAL Africa established a day program three years ago for street children called ‘Enfants Bien Aimés’ (Beloved Children), an initiative to provide protection, counselling, and reintegration support for street-connected children. Through family mediation and interim holistic care, we work to reunite children with their families and help them rebuild their lives.

But on that Sunday 26 th January 2025, as violence erupted, the centre became something more: a sanctuary. Although the EBA program typically takes in 30 children at a time, we suddenly found ourselves sheltering almost 60, eyes wide with fear, huddled in the classrooms and seeking safety. Outside, the situation was dire: street to street fighting, bullets and shrapnel piercing our windows and roof tiles. We had no choice but shield these beloved children from the horror unfolding just beyond our walls.

A New Reality for Innocent Lives

That day marked the transition of our EBA program from a focus on restoration and reintegration with families….to emergency shelter and around the clock care. Children are the image of God—pure, innocent, and full of potential. In the face of fear and uncertainty, their presence reminds us of the hope and light that must be protected at all costs. That is why HEAL Africa has taken it upon itself to ensure that these children are not only kept safe but also nurtured in every way.

Beyond providing them with shelter, food, and security, we are committed to helping them grow spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally—so they can become strong, faithful, and resilient individuals. In these difficult times, we hold onto the belief that every child deserves a future filled with faith, love, and opportunity.

The sound of gunshots may have faded, but Goma is still gripped by uncertainty. The crisis is not over, and the needs have only grown.

Lunch for Children, Hope for Tomorrow

We are deeply grateful to our extended HEAL Africa family for standing with us during this challenging time. The unwavering support of faithful churches and partners ensure that the children continue to receive the care they need.

What was once a day program offering a single meal has now become a full-time home for many children — requiring three meals a day, constant care, and emotional support. This transformation has only been possible because of your generosity.

We are starting the process of identifying their families so that we can reunite them with their loved ones and support them, too, for their new life during these hardships.

Stand With Us

At the same time, the need remains great to extensively carry out this process. Some of the children have greater needs due to their challenging family situations. Continued support would mean being able to do more for them. We invite you to be part of this sacred mission.

Your support helps us remain a refuge, a family, and a source of healing for children who have lost so much. Every donation, every prayer, and every shared story makes a difference.

Together, we can ensure these young souls grow not just in safety, but in wholeness and holiness, reflecting the true image of God.