Hope for the Hopeless: Support for Single Mothers in Refugee Camps
The Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l’Afrique (CBCA), a CBM partner church in the Democratic Republic of Congo, focuses on theological education, community health programs, and development projects. The CBCA is currently working in a context marked by war and violence, where thousands of families are forced to flee their homes. Many have sought refuge in Uganda, often leaving all their belongings behind and sometimes losing loved ones along the way.
Through its parishes in Uganda, CBCA has initiated a project to support single mothers and vulnerable women with income-generating activities. Bernadette, a widow, fled the DRC with her children after her husband’s death, uncertain where she would end up until she arrived at Kyaka Refugee Camp.
When CBCA began training women in entrepreneurship, Bernadette joined one of the associations, Umoja ni Nguvu (“Unity is Power”), and became part of a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). Although she was unsure how she would manage the weekly contributions, the support of the project enabled her to access a loan. She started selling palm oil from the DRC, a product in high demand. Through her perseverance, she repaid the loan and now runs her business entirely from her savings.
“I am happy that I have been able to send my three children back to school without worrying about fees or uniforms,” Bernadette says proudly.
She is grateful for the training she received, noting that CBCA welcomed participants without regard for denomination, and thanks CBM for enabling this support. Her prayer is that God continues to provide for those who care for others.
