From Sleepless Nights to Dreams for the Future: The Rebirth of a Family in Karawa

In Karawa, North Ubangi Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rebecca, 42 years old, has been raising her five children alone since the death of her husband. Among them are Alpha (13), Tantine (8), and Angèle (6), all sponsored children who today dream of a brighter future. Yet only a few years ago, their lives were defined by hardship, fear, and uncertainty.

After losing her husband, Rebecca became the sole provider for her family. The small house they called home was severely damaged and offered little protection from the elements. Every rainfall brought anxiety and sleepless nights.

“Whenever it rained, we could not sleep. We would stay awake all night because water leaked into every corner of the house,” Rebecca recalls.

The children vividly remember those difficult moments. For Alpha, the eldest, rain often meant missed opportunities at school.

“I was afraid whenever it rained. My school uniform and notebooks often got soaked, and sometimes I could not go to school,” she says.

Tantine shared the same worries. “When we woke up, our belongings were wet. I always wondered how I would return to school,” she explains.

Little Angèle remembers those nights in her own simple way.

 “I didn’t like the rain because it came into our house,” she says shyly.

Beyond the poor living conditions, Rebecca struggled to cover school fees and buy the supplies her children needed to continue their education. Despite working tirelessly, her income was not enough to meet the family’s basic needs.

Recognising the household’s vulnerability, World Vision supported Rebecca through its livelihoods strengthening programme. She received 25 containers of palm oil, 20 kilograms of sugar, and two bags of salt to start an income-generating activity.

“When I received this support, I felt a door had opened for me. I saw it as an opportunity to change my children’s lives,” Rebecca says.

Through the sale of these products, she gradually built capital and expanded her activities. The income enabled her to construct a stronger, safer house and improve her family’s living conditions.

Today, the transformation is remarkable.

“Now, when it rains, we sleep peacefully. We no longer worry about our belongings getting wet,” Rebecca says with relief.

The change has had a profound impact on her children as well. Alpha, who dreams of becoming a teacher, can now focus on her studies without fear of losing her school materials.

“I am happy because we now have a good house. I can study in peace and continue pursuing my dream of becoming a teacher,” she says.

Tantine, who hopes to become a nurse, believes the improved environment has helped her succeed at school.

“I attend school regularly, and I enjoy science lessons. One day, I want to help sick people in my community,” she explains.

For Angèle, whose ambition is to become a tailor, the future also looks brighter.

“I enjoy reading my books and going to school with my friends,” she says with a smile.

The income from Rebecca’s business has not only enabled her to pay school fees and purchase school supplies, but has also allowed her to invest in goat farming, creating an additional source of income for the family.

“Today, my children go to school, eat better, and live in better conditions. That makes me very happy,” she says proudly.

Rebecca’s story reflects the positive impact of World Vision’s support to vulnerable households in Karawa. Through livelihoods interventions, more than 250 households have been able to start or strengthen income-generating activities, improving the well-being of their children and building resilience for the future.

Looking back on the journey her family has taken, Rebecca is filled with gratitude.

“I thank World Vision for everything they have done for my family. Because of this support, my children can dream of a better future, and I can finally look ahead with hope,” she says.

Today, in their new home, Alpha, Tantine, and Angèle continue to pursue their dreams. For this family, the sound of rain is no longer a source of fear. Instead, it serves as a reminder of how far they have come, and of a future filled with hope, opportunity, and possibility.