OUR PROJECT

Tchukudu Kids Home

The Tchukudu Kids Home provides shelter, food, safety, education, and lots of love, to hundreds of orphaned children in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was established in 2013.

The youngest 30 children live in the Home and the older children live with Welcome (Foster) Families in the surrounding community.

01

The Beginning: A Chance Encounter

In 2012, founder Heather Haynes met Kizungu Hubert while sitting on the patio at Ubumwe Hotel in Gisenyi, Rwanda. Working side by side, they eventually struck up a conversation, and Heather learned Kizungu was caring for 16 orphaned children in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Upon learning about Kizungu’s tireless efforts to give these children a safe home, Heather felt called to help however she could.

From that moment on, she worked alongside Kizungu, helping him raise the funds to build a home for the children. The home, now called the Tchukudu Kids Home, was completed in 2013.

02

16 to 81 to 540+!

When fundraising began for the Tchukudu Kids Home in 2012 there were 16 orphaned children to care for. By the time construction was finished, one year to the day of the initial meeting, there were 81 children!

These 81 children were the inspiration for The Wall of Courage, an 80-panel art installation by Heather Haynes used to spread awareness and raise funds for TAOC.

Today, under the Tchukudu Kids Home umbrella, there are over 540 children being cared for.

A Tchukudu Kid in the side yard of the building
03

Empowering Dreams

The youngest and most vulnerable children live in the Tchukudu Kids Home. The older children live among Welcome Families (foster families), with a single parent, or with an extended family member.

The Art of Courage supports a range of care which includes food, shelter, education, medical care and lots of love to over 540 children through our sponsorship program.

We still need sponsors for 2024. See more below on how you can join us!

01

The Beginning: A Chance Encounter

In 2012, founder Heather Haynes met Kizungu Hubert while sitting on the patio at Ubumwe Hotel in Gisenyi, Rwanda. Working side by side, they eventually struck up a conversation, and Heather learned Kizungu was caring for 16 orphaned children in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Upon learning about Kizungu’s tireless efforts to give these children a safe home, Heather felt called to help however she could.

From that moment on, she worked alongside Kizungu, helping him raise the funds to build a home for the children. The home, now called the Tchukudu Kids Home, was completed in 2013.

02

16 to 81 to 540+!

When fundraising began for the Tchukudu Kids Home in 2012 there were 16 orphaned children to care for. By the time construction was finished, one year to the day of the initial meeting, there were 81 children!

These 81 children were the inspiration for The Wall of Courage, an 80-panel art installation by Heather Haynes used to spread awareness and raise funds for TAOC.

Today, under the Tchukudu Kids Home umbrella, there are over 540 children being cared for.

03

Empowering Dreams

The youngest and most vulnerable children live in the Tchukudu Kids Home. The older children live among Welcome Families (foster families), with a single parent, or with an extended family member.

The Art of Courage supports a range of care which includes food, shelter, education, medical care and lots of love to over 540 children through our sponsorship program.

We still need sponsors for 2024. See more below on how you can join us!

A Tchukudu Kid in the side yard of the building

SPONSOR A CHILD TODAY!

Starting at just $50/month!

Your sponsorship provides the below, as needed, and keeps our projects going!

Basic and Daily Needs

  • Food and nutrition
  • Shelter and safety
  • Clothing, toiletries etc.
  • Medical Care
  • Community of caregivers and lots of love!

Tchukudu Kids Home

  • Full-time care for 30 of the youngest most vulnerable children
  • Financial support for Welcome Families, single parents and guardians
  • Building maintenance, running costs, equipment etc.
  • Support Staff salaries

Jonathan Holiday School

  • Education and exam fees
  • Teacher, Principal, and Support Staff salaries
  • Building maintenance, running costs, equipment etc.
  • Uniforms and School supplies

FAQ