** Supervision of orphans in Kinshasa: a necessity with multiple issues **
On May 13, 2025, a significant event was held in Bibwa, in eastern Kinshasa, where women of the Baptist community approached the supervision of orphans in homes. This exchange, centered on the community, has raised crucial concerns towards the fate of children who, following the loss of one or two parents, are frequently found in emotional and social distress.
Charlène Baliyo, coordinator of the “Ekunda” foundation, highlighted a worrying situation: the orphans, often perceived as charges or victims of mockery, face a stigma that can hinder their development. His statement underlines a reality shared by many actors in society: mourning and loss of affection can lead these children to harmful isolation, especially when the surviving parent remarks. In a society where family and community standards play a major role, it is essential to wonder how these children can be supported in their journey.
The separation of orphans after the death of their parents is a problem that deserves special attention. The emphasis on the importance of maintaining fraternal and emotional ties is undeniable relevance. Indeed, allowing children to stay together could not only promote a feeling of security, but also offer them a space where they can share their experiences and help each other. Such a dynamic can contribute to their resilience in the face of the tests they go through.
Nevertheless, the question of the supervision of orphans goes beyond simple cohabitation. It questions the existing mechanisms to provide them with quality education, as well as psychological support. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, there are many challenges linked to the education system, ranging from infrastructure inadequate to a lack of human resources formed. How then to guarantee that these children receive the necessary education to flourish and promote their social integration? The appeal to compassion often mentioned by community leaders cannot suffice without collective mobilization aimed at improving the living conditions of these young people.
When Ms. Baliyo talks about the stigma from which the orphans suffer, she also raises a crucial question: how can the community change this look? This social transformation implies not only a change of mentality, but also a commitment of institutions, whether they are local authorities or non -governmental organizations, to raise awareness and form the population on the concept of solidarity towards the most vulnerable.
Finally, it is interesting to note the importance of awareness among parents and host families. Support mechanisms must be integrated into communities, allowing everyone to play their role in the education and well-being of children. As such, the role of churches and community groups becomes essential: they can be catalysts of change, capable of mobilizing human and material resources, but also of establishing an intercultural and intergenerational dialogue beneficial for the whole community.
In conclusion, the supervision of orphans in Kinshasa, as the speakers of this day point out, is a complex question which cannot be resolved by good will alone. It requires a collective approach, integrating educational, social and psychological dimensions. If the community experiences the need to support its orphans, it must also act in a concerted manner to create an environment conducive to their development. This is a challenge that not only calls for compassion, but also a deep reflection on our models of solidarity and commitment to the most fragile.