Poverty makes life hard. COVID-19 only makes it worse.

For the Mulumeoderhwa family in DR Congo, the COVID-19 lockdown meant extreme hunger, often going days without food. When the sight of their starving children became too much, Dad decided to leave home in search of food. But on his way out he tragically slipped and fell down the stairs from their lofted shack, dying instantly. His wife and 11 children were devastated. The crying from hunger turned into crying over losing both their father and any last shreds of hope that they would outlast COVID’s horrific consequences. Fear overtook them all.

The teachers of the ELI Academy, who were conducting at-home tutoring lessons for their students, quickly learned of the family’s tragedy. Jean Claude, the youngest boy, told his teacher that they had no hope left of finding food. When the school leadership heard, the family was immediately enrolled into a new ELI COVID-relief feeding program for 275 of the school’s most desperate families. For nearly 5 months they received weekly food staples including rice, beans, and vegetables. 

As the teachers continued to visit, they also joined in the Mulumeoderhwas’ grieving and healing process. Many hours were spent in prayer and solidarity with the family. Jean Claude, his siblings, and his mother felt deep love and support from the ELI community. It helped them survive such a tragic loss during an already difficult time.

Even as the lockdown continued without Dad, Jean Claude’s family experienced a hope they could not fully explain. ELI became family to them, caring for them in their darkest hour. Now that things are slowly returning to normal, their hope continues to increase because of the generosity of partners like you! They are looking forward to another bright school year, and Jean Claude’s mother hopes to begin a business to provide for their family.