Save the children from the mines in the DRC

Period: Preparatory Phase - 2024

Context and Objectives
To identify, document, and raise awareness about child exploitation in artisanal mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically in the Mwenga territory of South Kivu. This initiative is part of OGDH ASBL's efforts to contribute to the eradication of child labor in mining areas.

Activities Completed

1. Identification and Documentation of Mining Sites

- Budget Utilized: $550 funded by OGDH ASBL's own resources.
- Human Resource Mobilization:
- Two field mobilizers were financially motivated to conduct the identification and documentation work.
- Sites Identified:
- Bungombe site, Mwenga territory.
- Kamitunga mine, Mwenga territory.
- Shabunda site, Shabunda territory.
- Preliminary Results:
Over 500 children working in these sites were identified. These children urgently require intervention to remove them from mining activities.

2. Planning for the Next Steps

- Upcoming Activities:
- Comprehensive documentation of the children involved.
- Organizing awareness campaigns targeting mining operators and families to advocate for the removal of children from the mines.
- Establishing support and reintegration mechanisms for the affected children.
- Estimated Budget for Full Implementation: $20,000.

3. Ongoing Fundraising Campaign

- A fundraising campaign has been launched on the GlobalGiving platform to collect the necessary amount to begin the project in 2025. We aim to secure the full $20,000 before the start of the year.

Administrative Preparations for 2025
Currently, OGDH ASBL is finalizing administrative preparations to ensure the project is budgeted and ready for implementation in the first quarter of 2025. These preparations include:
- Drafting a detailed budget.
- Developing strategic partnerships.
- Formalizing authorizations with local and national authorities.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:
- Difficult access to remote areas.
- Raising awareness among local communities about the dangers of child labor.

Opportunities:

- Potential collaboration with other NGOs working on children's rights and human rights.
- Increased project visibility through the *GlobalGiving* platform.

Conclusion and Outlook

Through a self-funded initial phase, OGDH ASBL has laid the groundwork for an ambitious project aimed at eradicating child labor in the mines of Mwenga and Shabunda territories. We remain committed to raising the necessary funds and look forward to the support of our partners and donors to achieve the objectives set for 2025.