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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
SPONSOR A CHILD TODAY!
Starting at just $50/month!
Your sponsorship provides the below, as needed, and keeps our projects going!
Sponsor a Child
Description
We have 400 children who need yearly sponsors. The youngest and most vulnerable children live in the Tchukudu Kids Home. While the other children live in Welcome Families (foster families), with single parents, or with extended family. All 400+ children receive free education at the Jonathan Holiday School.
Your sponsorship will cover, as needed, their food, shelter, education, and medical expenses for one year. We couldn't do what we do without our sponsors!
With each sponsorship, you will be given a child's name. This is a child who will be directly impacted by your sponsorship. However, please note that all donations are spread amongst all the children equally to ensure they are all included and cared for.
HOW IT WORKS
- Choose your donation type:
- Annual payment of $500 or
- Monthly payments of $50/month ($600 total)
- We do a happy dance! (and you can too!)
- We will follow up with information about your child within 7-10 business days
- Emails will be sent out with information and updates from The Tchukudu Kids Home as we receive them.
TAX RECEIPTS
- Personal Donations made through this site are not eligible for a tax receipt. If you require a tax receipt you can donate through Canada Africa Community Health Alliance (CACHA) If you go through CACHA, please send us an email to let us know you have made this donation!
- Corporate donations made through this site are deductible per your corporate guidelines/accountant
FAQ
Where do the children live?
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.
Some children seem to be living with a parent. Why?
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an orphan is defined by the loss of one or both parents.
In financially vulnerable families, two incomes can barely, if even, support a family. So a family with only one income requires assistance to meet basic needs.
What is a Welcome Family?
A Welcome Family functions much like a foster family.
Families in the surrounding community care for a Tchukudu Kid. The living/education costs are covered for the Tchukudu Kid, and additional support is given to the family. Also, Welcome Families may send their own children to the Jonathan Holiday School at no cost.
What is Volunteers in Mission for Children Care (VMC)?
Volunteers in Mission for Children Care (VMC) is the non-profit organization on the ground in Goma that runs the Tchukudu Kids Home and the Jonathan Holiday School. All funds raised by The Art of Courage are sent to Volunteers in Mission for Children Care (VMC).
Can I get a tax receipt?
Personal Donations made through this site are not eligible for a tax receipt. If you require a tax receipt you can donate through Canada Africa Community Health Alliance (CACHA) If you go through CACHA, please send us an email to let us know you have made this donation!
Corporate donations made through this site are deductible per your corporate guidelines/accountant
I have more questions.
If you have more questions about the Tchukudu Kids Home or sponsorship send us an email at supportus@theartofcourage.ca