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country directory indexdeveloping country focus - congo |
Use this resource page to learn more about what we are doing in Democratic Republic of the Congo, and how you can help us meet spiritual and physical hungers …
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), formerly Zaire, is located in central Africa. Its population of more than 60 million people comprises more than 200 ethnic groups, with more than 200 languages spoken, but French is the official language. DRC is a nation endowed with vast potential wealth, but its economy has declined drastically since the mid-1980s.
The two recent conflicts (the First and Second Congo Wars), which began in 1996, have dramatically reduced national output and government revenue, have increased external debt, and have resulted in the deaths from war, famine and disease of approximately 3.8 million people. In 1997, the government of former president Mobutu Sese Seko was toppled by a rebellion led by Laurent Kabila, whose regime was challenged by a Rwanda- and Uganda-backed rebellion in 1998. A ceasefire was signed in 1999, but Kabila was assassinated in 2001, and his son Joseph was named head of state.
On July 30, 2006, the Democratic Republic of the Congo held its first free multiparty elections in 46 years. This is viewed by many as a key step toward securing political and economic stability in the country.
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drc elections: a new hope for the congo
On October 29, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) held the second round of presidential and general assembly elections, marking the first time the Congolese have been able to vote in 40 years. The election results have recently been released. On Nov. 27, 2006, Joseph Kabila was confirmed by the Supreme Court of the DRC as the first Congolese president to be democratically elected.
explore congo on our site
how we are meeting needs in congo:
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Relief Program
Problem: Continued warfare and natural disasters have devastated the country, forced millions to flee and caused a dramatic food shortage.
Solution:
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Over $2.6 million in government grants and other sources have been provided for food-security activities, resulting in thousands of lives being saved. |
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FH is positioned as the lead agency for food security in the country's hardest-hit province and is a leader in helping return the population to self-sustenance. |
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FH targets the most malnourished families with intensive agricultural assistance. |
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Funding permitting, families will be assisted in their transition from hiding in the bush to returning to their homes and villages. This will be done through food-for-work home-rebuilding programs, distribution of essentials such as blankets and soap, providision of tools to restart cultivation, and assistance with community nurseries. | |
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Agricultural Programs
Problem: Agricultural and livestock practices, production and marketing are very poor.
Solution: Rural agricultural research will be done, along with agricultural training, fish farming, increased ownerships of livestock, and seed multiplication. |
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Medical Programs
Problem: Children in target villages suffer from malnutrition.
Solution: Team will provide agricultural training and guinea pig breeding for families with malnourished children. Specific nutrition centers will distribute vegetable seeds and tools to help families grow nutritious foods. Nutrition education and training for mothers will also be provided. |
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