DR Congo - GUAOA Orphanage

International Child Advancement supports an orphanage in eastern Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo named Orphelinat GUAOA. The acronym in French stands for Groupe Uni pour Aider les Orphelins Abandonés which means Group United to Help Abandoned Orphans. It was founded in 1994 by Maman Marie Matiko who decided to create a home for the large number of children who were left behind to fend for themselves after the death of their parents primarily during the Congo Wars where it is estimated that over 6 million people were killed. According to The Truth Source, it has been reported that about 11% of the DR Congo's entire child population are orphans due to war, poverty and disease: https://thetruthsource.org/orphans-crisis-from-war-and-aids/.

Local volunteers have made it their mission to assist these children who are in great need even though they do not get compensated. Assistance is minimal from local citizens and businesses due to ongoing hardships caused by the civil unrest. Because of this great need, we are determined to let GUAOA orphans know they are loved and can have a promising future in spite of their circumstances.

Our Services

Our Programs

International Child Advancement challenges deep-seated cultural norms including the mistreatment against orphans and violence against girls in the Congo. Through shelter and protection, equitable access to education, economic empowerment programs, and mentorship, we provide orphans safe living environments, opportunities to learn and grow, and the skills to build self-sufficient futures. Our initiatives aim to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience, helping underserved children thrive despite challenges.

Learn more about these efforts throught the following programs:

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Equitable Access to Education

Supporting access to K-12 & higher education for students by pairing them with educational sponsors to ensure access to quality learning, resources, and opportunities for academic success.

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Vocational Training

Providing vocational training to broaden youth's career options, empower them with essential skills, and create opportunities for economic empowerment, and self-sufficiency.

Food Security

Providing food to orphans, ensuring they have consistent access to nutritious meals for their health, well-being, and academic success.

Shelter and Protection

Providing safe housing and/or foster care networks, ensuring children have a secure place to live amidst challenging circumstances, promoting stability and protection.

Life Skills Presentations

Promoting the education of essential life skills empowering orphans, particularly girls, to achieve personal growth and success while reducing their reliance on potentially harmful relationships and vulnerability to exploitation.

Mentorship

Connecting children with trusted role models and former GUAOA orphans—now successful in their careers or pursuing higher education—provides guidance, support, and inspiration while empowering them to navigate personal safety, resilience, and future success.

Our 2024 Impact

Highlights of our key focus areas reflecting the change we’ve accomplished together:

Over 1,200 Meals Served

Fighting food insecurity thanks to Food for Orphans and community members

69 Students Attending School

67 K-12 and 2 university students paired with educational sponsors

2 high school graduates

Equitable education funded by education sponsors

120 Placed in Housing

45 children reside at the orphanage and 75 placed with foster families

Success Stories

The following stories highlight GUAOA orphans who have graduated high school and/or university and are now thriving.

2025 Goals

Aligned with our mission and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), International Child Advancement is committed to empowering orphans in the DRC through education, and supplemental wrap around services.

Our goals for the year include:

Bridge the Education Gap: Pair 80 children (76 K-12 and 4 university students) with educational sponsors to provide access to equitable learning opportunities.
Foster Economic Empowerment: Expand our vocational programs by purchasing essential equipment, including 5 laptops for digital skills training and 5 sewing machines for the sewing program. Participants will earn ICA certificates upon completion, and one standout participant will receive a $200 business launch award.
Fight Food Insecurity: Implement a monthly Food for Orphans (FFO) grant to address food insecurity and identify a second source of sustainable food support.
Ensure Safe and Stable Housing: Renovate essential orphanage facilities, including a library and bathrooms, to provide a secure and conducive learning environment.
Empower Youth Through Life Skills Knowledge: Offer workshops focused on personal health and safety, entrepreneurship and career development to equip youth with essential life skills for personal and professional growth.

These goals reflect our unwavering dedication to creating sustainable and impactful change in the lives of vulnerable children in the DRC. Together, we can build a brighter future for these young minds.

Your Impact Starts Here

Together, we can create meaningful change. Choose one of these four ways to share your donation and help us continue empowering and uplifting underserved youth.

Sponsor an Orphan's Education

Sponsor a child for a semester or full year, supporting their education and building a personal connection to help them succeed.

Become a Sponsor

Feed a Child

Donate to help fight food insecurity by providing nutritious meals for children—whether it’s one meal or enough for an entire month—ensuring they have the nourishment they need to learn and grow.

Donate a Meal