COVID-19 Update 4/1

Just beyond the city limits of Goma, in rural communities built on volcanic rocks, many families have fled from violence or extreme poverty to neighboring communities. It’s here that Justice Rising has built and operates 6 schools that serve vulnerable, and very traumatized, populations. These communities live in close proximity to their neighbors and have little to no access to adequate healthcare services.



It’s in communities like these where our students are the most at risk. In collectivist societies, where people live day to day by going to the well for water and the market for their daily meal, the impact of physical distancing or being quarantined would have a devastating effect. Without the ability to store food for multiple days, let alone a week, or where water collection for drinking and/or bathing goes quickly for large families in a single home — physical distancing in these cases is simply not an option. It’s in communities like this where Coronavirus could have the deadliest blow.



This week, the city of Goma reported its first Coronavirus case. Our team has been talking about response for weeks now and we’re prepared to act swiftly. In the coming days/weeks we’ll be talking more about our COVID-19 response and how you can stand with war torn communities facing Coronavirus.



We recognize we are a small actor on this global scene, but because of your support, we’re positioned to have a large impact in the communities we work.

The time is now to respond to help those at greatest risk.