The past few weeks have brought immense challenges to the people of Goma and surrounding areas. According to reports from the UN and humanitarian organizations, the city has undergone significant changes since January 27, leading to a worsening humanitarian situation. More than 2,900 lives have been lost, and over 5,000 people are receiving medical care for injuries. Infrastructure and essential services have been severely impacted, with Goma’s airport remaining closed due to damage.

As events continue to unfold, instability has spread to neighboring regions, including Bukavu and parts of North and South Kivu. Many families have been displaced, and uncertainty remains as they seek safety and stability.

A Difficult Start to the Year

Even before the latest developments, our work at Rudi International faced significant setbacks. In early January, the Rudi International Elimu Technology Center was broken into, and 12 laptops were taken—equipment that had been used to provide free digital skills training to the community since 2022. We pursued legal action, but as the situation in the city changed, judicial operations were interrupted.

Despite these challenges, our commitment remains unwavering. We believe that education and technology are powerful tools for change, and we are determined to rebuild this program, one step at a time.

Our Students: Safe but Facing Hardships

One piece of good news is that all our current students and their immediate families are safe. However, life in the city has been incredibly difficult. The past weeks have seen frequent power outages, water shortages, and internet disruptions, making daily life and communication even more challenging.

Reponse, a college student leader from our program, shared his experience:

“It was not easy for my family and me. The same can be said for all the inhabitants of Nyabyunyu neighborhood when the heavy fighting started. Hearing gunfire, the many bullets, as well as bombs—sometimes feeling as if they were falling right behind our house—there was nothing we could do but lay under our beds, praying that it would stop.”

As schools begin to reopen, we are hopeful that normal activities can gradually resume. However, our offices remain closed for now, and we are still unable to meet with all our students and volunteers in person.

How You Can Stand With Us

In these uncertain times, we invite you to partner with us to support our students, volunteers, and their families:

🙏 Pray for the people of eastern DRC. Many are facing hardships, and we continue to hope for lasting peace and stability in the region.

🍚 Provide food assistance for our students and their families. When we can safely reach them, we aim to distribute small relief packages with essential items such as rice, beans, sugar, maize flour, and soap. A donation of $50 can support one family.

💻 Help us restore our digital training program by replacing the stolen laptops. Our computer classes equip young people with essential skills for employment and entrepreneurship. A basic laptop costs $350, and we are committed to restarting this program, one step at a time.

We deeply appreciate your prayers, generosity, and encouragement during this time. Despite the challenges, we believe in the power of hope, resilience, and community. Together, we can help rebuild lives and continue the work of empowering the next generation.

Join Us in Making a Difference

If you would like to support our relief efforts, you can give securely here or contact us for more information.

Thank you for standing with us.

With gratitude,
The Rudi International Team