Save the children from the mines in the DRC

Implementing Organization:

Project Location:

Artisanal Mining Sites, South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Background and Problem Statement

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in South Kivu, thousands of children are trapped in hazardous labor in artisanal mining sites. According to a 2023 report by CARITAS, approximately 5,000 children are exploited in dangerous mining conditions at each mining site. These children, both boys and girls, work under inhumane conditions—without protective equipment, exposed to diseases, sexual violence, physical exhaustion, landslides, and fatal accidents.

They are deprived of basic rights such as access to education, family life, and the ability to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. The exploitation of children in these mineral-rich areas feeds into global supply chains, making this both a humanitarian and ethical crisis.

Project Objective

The primary goal of this project is to raise awareness and combat child labor in artisanal mining sites in South Kivu and to rescue and rehabilitate 100 children currently working in these dangerous environments.

Specific Objectives

1. Raise awareness among artisanal mining cooperatives, families, and local authorities on the dangers of child labor.
2. Rescue and support 100 children from mining activities.
3. Provide education, psychosocial support, and vocational training to rescued children.
4. Promote sustainable reintegration of children into their communities and the education system.
5. Advocate for responsible mineral sourcing practices that exclude child labor.

Key Activities

• Conduct community awareness campaigns and dialogue sessions with stakeholders.
• Identify and withdraw children from mining sites through community-based mechanisms.
• Provide school reintegration programs, including school supplies, tuition support, and uniforms.
• Establish child-friendly spaces and organize recreational and healing activities.
• Offer vocational and life skills training to older children and youth.
• Engage local and national authorities to implement and monitor anti-child labor policies.
• Collaborate with mining cooperatives to develop child-labor-free certification systems.

Target Beneficiaries

• 100 children (aged 6–17) currently working in artisanal mines.
• Families of rescued children.
• Artisanal mining cooperatives.
• Community leaders and local authorities.

Expected Long-Term Impact

• Children will be protected from exploitation, provided with education, and given tools for self-empowerment.
• Communities will be more aware and engaged in protecting child rights.
• Mining cooperatives will work towards sustainable, child-labor-free supply chains.
• The cycle of poverty and exploitation in mining communities will be gradually broken.

Budget Overview

Budget Item

Estimated Cost (USD)

Awareness Campaigns

3,000

School Reintegration (100 children)

8,000

Psychosocial and Recreational Support

2,500

Vocational Training

3,000

Monitoring and Evaluation

1,500

Staff and Logistics

2,000

Total Budget

20,000 USD

As of today, we have raised 151 USD, which is insufficient to meet the urgent needs of the children and the scope of this intervention. However, with our partnership and visibility through GlobalGiving, we are confident that we will meet our funding target by 2025.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monthly reports on rescued children and activities conducted.
• Quarterly evaluations on education progress, health, and psychosocial status.
• Community feedback sessions and independent audits of the program.

Call to Action

We invite donors, development partners, and ethical stakeholders in the mineral supply chain to join us in saving lives and restoring childhoods. Your support can change the life trajectory of these children—from exploitation to education, from risk to opportunity.

Together, we can create a future where no child is forced to dig for minerals but can dream, grow, and thrive in safety.