Vocational Training Makes 'Somebodies' of Congo Street Youth

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In Democratic-Republic Congo, kids find themselves on the streets for a myriad of reasons. To survive harsh conditions, many join street gangs. With the help of Every Child Ministries (ECM), street kids get a second chance.
(Pictured: By receiving vocational training, Ida Munanga can get off the streets.)

 

Why do children become "street kids" in Congo? The list is long: they've been accused of witchcraft; they're blamed for their parents' problems; there are too many mouths and not enough food; their parents died from AIDS, Ebola, or another disease; sometimes kids are cast out simply because they're not wanted anymore. Whatever the reason, lonely children wander the streets of DR Congo without shelter or basic care.

In 2001, ECM began ministering to street kids, mainly boys, at a popular outdoor market in Kinshasa. Regular worship services and Bible teachings are offered by ECM's Fellowship for Street Children, and the boys receive donated clothing and two meals a week.

ECM also offers vocational training to help kids get off the street and support themselves. The first two graduated in 2004; both found jobs and are now off the streets. One young girl will soon open her own dressmaking shop.

Recently, Ida Munanga completed training to become a tailor through ECM's apprenticeship program. Congolese tailors are trained to create fashions without patterns, using only measurements taken from the client. Over the next year, Munanga will work with other students to learn how to manage their own shop and small amounts of money. After the year's training, they'll be on their own.

After losing both parents to AIDS, Ida Munanga was among the masses of Congolese street children. Invited to Street Kids' Fellowship by ECM workers, Munanga gave her heart to Christ after listening to testimonies from former street kids.

Introduced to a new way of life by ECM, Munanga can now form a new identity. If you'd like to help street kids like Munanga find new life in Christ, click here to support ECM's ministry.

Source: Mission Network News

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