Worldlink’s local partners, led by Dorcas Mudjengani, currently operate 11 shelters in the North Kivu province which care for abused women as well as those who have been abandoned or widowed by the fighting.  They currently serve almost 200 victims of all ages.

Dorcas Mudjengani leads the ministry

The shelters run by Dorcas provide a safe place for  women victimized by sexual abuse to receive emotional counseling, bringing restoration to shattered hearts and minds.  They also receive legal counseling.

Additionally, the women learn a variety of skills including agriculture, animal husbandry, sewing, weaving, jewelry making, cooking, the dying of African cloth, making decorative carvings, and soap making.  These skills give women the chance to become self-supporting.

When possible, ministry teams helps restore relationships.  Culturally, it is very offensive to a man if his wife has relations with another man, even if it is against her will.  The team has trained mediators in several locations that work with the families in an effort to build understanding and restore the family relationships.

When restoration to a family is not possible because the family is dead, displaced, or unwilling to welcome the woman or daughter home, the resident has the skills to care for herself. She can move out of the shelter and survive by employing her new skills.  This gives other victims of sexual violence the chance to enter the facilities.

Shelter residents learn trades which will provide income when they leave

Dorcas and the rest of the staff lead educational and preventative programs in order to reduce future incidents in the communities.  The team also engages in advocacy work, helping the government understand the issue and work towards proper legal action.

The key element that makes this hope and healing possible is faith in Jesus Christ, a message boldly proclaimed by the Focus Congo staff and all Worldlink partners.