DR Congo: Lina’s New Beginning: How Four Ducks Changed Everything

In Menkao, in the commune of Maluku, 77 kilometers from downtown Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 11‑year‑old Lina lives with her family in modest conditions. Until recently, she faced serious difficulties in school due to a lack of essential resources. Her parents struggled to cover her basic needs, especially food and school fees, making her school attendance irregular.

Before World Vision’s support, Lina often missed classes. Without a complete uniform, proper supplies, or even enough to eat, she found it hard to follow lessons. Her health, motivation, and learning suffered. Like many children in Menkao, her future seemed uncertain because of her family’s unstable income.

A Small Support With a Big Impact

Through the World Vision Menkao development program, Lina’s family received four ducks as an income‑generating activity. The children helped care for them, feeding the ducks, monitoring the eggs, and cleaning the enclosure. The ducks multiplied quickly.

The family later sold four ducks for 80 USD. This income allowed them to pay for school supplies, cover part of the school fees, and improve Lina’s nutrition. The remaining ducklings continued to grow, providing future security and a sustainable food reserve.

A Renewed Chance at Education

Thanks to duck breeding, Lina’s daily life has changed significantly. She now attends school regularly, has the materials she needs, and eats better, all of which increases her concentration and motivation in class. Her favorite subject, Moral Education, teaches her values of respect, responsibility, and mutual aid.

Lina says: “Now I go to school every day. The ducks helped us a lot and I am proud to study.”

A Program Transforming Lives

Lina’s story reflects the broader impact of the Menkao program, which has enabled 2,968 children, including 1,948 girls, to improve their well‑being thanks to strengthened household income. By boosting families’ economic capacities, supporting livelihoods, and integrating these approaches into community child protection plans, World Vision has helped transform the lives of many households.

Lina concludes with emotion:

“I thank World Vision because they helped us in our community. Thanks to the ducks, I can go to school and eat better. I am very grateful.”

Today, Lina moves toward a brighter future, confident, motivated, and determined to one day help others in her community.