MARYLAND, USA — For the last few years, Jonathan Weaver, the pastor at Greater Mt. Nebo A.M.E Chuch, has traveled back and forth to the city of Goma, the capital of the North Kivu province in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
His team of doctors, nurses and volunteers started with medical mission. Then, another focus developed: education.
Weaver and his team have been funding the education of young children who attend a school named after him. It's called the Weaver Primary and Secondary School, and was established four years ago by leaders of the AME churches there and had the support of the local government, Weaver said.
According to a daily press briefing by a spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the country is home to more than half-a-million refugees from neighboring countries. This year alone, nearly 16 million have faced severe food insecurity.
The area is also plagued with violence and poverty.
"They are extremely resilient," Weaver said, while describing what his experience has been like during visits. "Despite the challenges, we are encouraged when we go because we see the kind of hopeful spirit that the people of Goma and other parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo show."
Roughly 900 children attend the Weaver Primary and Secondary School where 25% of the school's population are orphans, Weaver said. A vast majority of the kids are children of refugees, he said.
Weaver said his team covers teacher salaries, provides school supplies and takes care of other expenses for the students who otherwise wouldn't be able to go to school.
Additionally, Weaver sells bags made by Rwandan women in a cooperative that's been established there. All of the proceeds will support the school in while empowering the women of the Rwanda.
If you're interested in supporting this effort, you can call the church at (301) 249.7545 or visit the website here.