Bring clean water to our neighbors in Goma, DRC!

In Mugunga, just west of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, access to clean water has long been a daily struggle. For families already facing the challenges of displacement, poverty, and instability, something as basic as safe drinking water required long, often dangerous journeys and most often carried by women and young girls.

But that reality is changing.

On March 16, 2026, the La Compassion Open Spring orphanage inaugurated a new solar-powered water system that is now providing free, clean drinking water to the surrounding community. What was once a burden has become a source of life, dignity, and renewed hope.

As reported by a local news station in Goma:

“This initiative now allows residents, especially women and girls, to access the water without travelling long distances and safely. ‘We love our neighbours. The problem of access to drinking water concerned the entire community, and today we are responding to it” said Reagan Sawasawa, head of the orphanage.

This project, made possible through the generosity of Children’s Refuge supporters, is more than infrastructure—it is transformation.

With 12 taps and a large-capacity storage system, families can now gather water quickly and safely, without sacrificing hours of their day. Children who once spent mornings walking for water can now attend school. Mothers no longer face the physical strain or safety risks of distant water sources. And the health of the entire community is improving as access to clean water reduces the spread of waterborne illness.

The timing of this project is especially significant. Mugunga has seen an influx of displaced families since 2024, placing even greater strain on already limited resources. In a neighborhood shaped by hardship, this water system stands as a tangible reminder that they have not been forgotten.

Residents have welcomed the project with overwhelming joy, recognizing its immediate impact on daily life. What was once a point of constant concern has become a place of gathering, relief, and gratitude.

At Children’s Refuge, we believe that caring for vulnerable children means caring for the communities around them. This water project reflects that mission—meeting both immediate needs and creating long-term stability for families.

And this is just the beginning.

Because of supporters like you, stories like Mugunga are being rewritten. Clean water is flowing. Hope is rising. And a community is moving forward—together.