Background

The History of the House of Light for Children

Due to the needs that arose after the civil war of 1997 in Brazzaville, AMURT-Congo has centered its service projects on providing accomodation and education specifically for children.

There has been a huge increase in the number of orphaned and abandoned children due to the effects of the war. To face this serious social problem, AMURT-Congo has created a centre of welcome and accommodation for orphans and abandoned children called "The House of Light for Children". Here we ensure that the children receive the correct nutrition, accomodation, clothing, medical care and education.

In total, more that 20 orphans and abandoned children (35 children in the beginning) benefit from the services of AMURT.

Orphanage children with staff

Our Vision:

We liken ourselves today to the captain of a boat, whose task is to carry all the passengers safely on board. When the boat arrives at the port where the first passengers will disembark, the captain will ensure, to the best of his ability, that the passengers are able to meet with a safe arrival. The boat will then continue on its journey with the other passengers for a further but known destination.

Our vision for the education and the growth of the children would be an adventure if we didn't specify at the time of departure, our objectives and the goal we wish to reach.

Specific objectives:

Our immediate task is to ensure that the children receive adequate nutrition, medical care, accommodation, clothing and education. In short, to make sure that they receive a setting ideal for their physical, moral and intellectual blossoming.

School Congo

General objectives:

It is our task, as carers of children, to bring them the help they need in order for them to build their respective lives. Such is our main objective. At this level, it is necessary to recognize that the task is very delicate, taking into account the diversity of ideas and future ambitions of the children. Indeed, discussions that our social workers have had with the children reveal that each and every child has his or her clear ambitions, of which they did not hesitate to confide in us... This one would like to be a doctor, that one an English teacher, another would like to be a musician etc.

All these specific and general objectives are only the elements that allow us arrival at the destination, to achieve the goal.

Goal:

Our ultimate goal is the autonomy of each child. This determines the child's balanced social and professional integration. It is necessary to note that our children are nearly all schooled, to different levels.

These children cannot pretend to be autonomous from the moment that they hold the purse-string that allows them to provide the minimum necessities of their life. They need to grow socially as well as educationally to be contributing members of society.

Outside the childrens homeFor the non-schooled, there are apprenticeships. They use these skills initially to assist the orphanage whilst in our care. They become autonomous from the moment that they begin to practise their profession or trade.

In any case, a child's autonomy is acquired from the moment when s/he is able to build his or her own life or construct his or her own home independently.

back to top

 
© AMURTEL            Last changed : 6-09-2006