For years, a group of young people has built a reputation for being behind violent attacks in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo’s capital. “These young people sow terror in the city,” says Ghislaine Matondo, who lives in the city with her husband, mother, and sister. Yet little has been done to address the danger, she explains: "Juvenile delinquency in our neighborhoods is a sensitive matter [to which] even politicians do not dare give concrete answers.”
To mark one year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we gathered virtually with friends of HOPE to pray, reflect, and hear updates from HOPE Ukraine's managing director, Andriy Kopyl; HOPE’s president and CEO, Peter Greer; and other HOPE leaders.
For years, a group of young people has built a reputation for being behind violent attacks in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo’s capital. “These young people sow terror in the city,” says Ghislaine Matondo, who lives in the city with her husband, mother, and sister. Yet little has been done to address the danger, she explains: "Juvenile delinquency in our neighborhoods is a sensitive matter [to which] even politicians do not dare give concrete answers.”
Flora de la Cruz Giron was having trouble finding a job that would allow her to support her family while caring for her children. She was selling products in the street when a friend invited her to join meetings for a solidarity group focused especially on women. Through that relationship, she took out her first loan from Esperanza International, HOPE’s partner in the Dominican Republic.
I and a group of 6 other HOPE supporters had the privilege earlier this month to visit the Dominican Republic and experience firsthand the mission and impact of our partner, Esperanza International.
Before joining Turame, HOPE’s microfinance institution in Burundi, Marc had a small electronics shop, but he wasn’t earning enough each day to provide for all the needs of his five kids.
Six months after Russia invaded Ukraine, fighting continues in the south and east of the country, with little territory being gained or lost on either side. Recently, the Ukrainian military said that they have successfully repelled Russian attacks and made several successful counterattacks.
Elizabeth Mutosa says that her neighborhood, Section 10, in Roan, Zambia, has gained a reputation for being a challenging place to live. "Section 10 has been characterized by … activities, like drinking beer, early marriages for young girls, and other activities that rob the peace of every child," she shares. "There are vulnerable people that need to be helped."
We are happy to announce this year’s Homes for HOPE Award Honoree – Vincent Habiyaremye. When he was first introduced to Urwego Bank (HOPE International’s microfinance institution in Rwanda), Vincent was going door to door to offer his carpentry services, looking for any work he could find.
Albert Sakissa started a modest cement business out of his home in Pointe-Noire, Congo. With capital from HOPE Congo microloans and the accompanying business training, he expanded from cement to construction materials to delivery and after-sales service and hired three employees, all within two years.
