Stories from Congo

This is the first of 4 'stories' from the Wasaidizi or Kafwa health workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  These amazing women have been volunteers for nearly 20 years many times going 4 or 5 years without any encouragement from me since I was prevented by civil war and other political issues from seeing them.  These stories were first written in French or Swahili, translated into Bimba, and then into English.  You may have to read them a couple of times to catch the meaning but I think you'll enjoy reading the stories in their own words.

You might notice most of them refer to brick homes in the stories.  Read this as "least" rather than "most" expensive option.  In most cases the homes are made of homemade bricks made from mud right on site and are mortared together with more mud.

Josephine (middle) supervisor of Wasaidizi in Congo

( LUBUMBASHI - CONGO )

The Story about the Child, who was the Orphan and her name was Kanyimbu Mpundu, she was 8 years old and was in Grade two at Alumashi School . The total number of people in the family was 12. Kanyimbu was cared by the Grand ma. The house was made with bricks.

Kanyimbu’s Grand mother was a Widow. One day Kanyimbu was very sick, she had abad sore on her right leg. And the sore was becoming worse & worse. One day we had a home visit program and I met this young girl, and asked her where she was living and she directed me to her Grand mother’s home. The following day I went to look for the Grand mother in order to explain what I saw to the young girl. I found her and asked her if I can help with the sore, and she said yes you are welcome. Kanyimbu’s Grand mother had 9 children four of them were Prostitute and was just bringing problems to the Widow. She was complaining almost every day because problems were more and more, but I KEPT ON ENCOURANGING HER.

The following day I went to see the young girl and started washing her sore there after apply the anointment Which we received from Sherri. I CONTINUED to wash the sore for Kanyimbu. And in almost a month, the sore was completely dry. The girl who failed to walk and go to School, started walking and going to School everyday.

The life in the past was too bad, but after the treatment, the life changed completely to a better life. Health ed Connect was very helpful because of the support, and trainings we received from them. Mpundu’s life is better that it was before.

Kanyimbu’s Grand mother appreciated for the good work done for Kanyimbu. Life for Kanyimbu was very difficult but, made it good for her life. She is walking well, going to School without any problem.

NAME OF A PERSON REPORTING : JOSEPHINE KIPAMPE.