Fatshimetrie is happy to share some touching news during this festive season: families living in an IDP camp in DR Congo were lucky enough to celebrate Christmas thanks to the arrival of Santa Claus, bringing with him festive cheer and hot meals. Accompanied by a group of volunteers, Santa Claus visited the Buhimba IDP camp near Goma in North Kivu province, where hundreds of meals were prepared.
Amidst the excitement, families and children gathered around Santa Claus. “We wanted to have fun with the children because it’s Christmas. It’s important to celebrate with the children and their mothers,” said Ali Abdallah, who had donned the Santa Claus costume.
This event was organized by a youth association called “Leader Volontaire” to support displaced people during the festive period. Sifa Mugoli, a displaced grandmother of three, expressed her gratitude, saying it was the first time people had come to the camp to celebrate with them. “Today I saw young people coming to give us a party, we are very happy, God bless you all!”
More than two and a half million people are displaced in the Kivu region, fleeing attacks by armed groups and in need of humanitarian assistance. According to the organizers of this event, bringing a hot meal to these children and sharing a joyful moment with them was more important than giving them toys.
The images of Santa Claus celebrating Christmas with displaced families and children in Buhimba are a beacon of hope in a region marked by violence and suffering. During this holiday season, they remind us of the importance of solidarity and sharing, even in the most difficult times. May this beautiful initiative inspire more acts of generosity and humanity, and may the magic of Christmas continue to illuminate the hearts of the most vulnerable.