Sponsoring or supporting a child in the Democratic Republic of Congo with SAPI Belgium means funding their schooling, medical follow-up, psychosocial support and protection within their community across the provinces of Kasai, Kasai Central, North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri. Unlike traditional individual sponsorship where a donor is linked to a single child file, our approach finances the local community structures surrounding the child — school, child-friendly space, health centre and host family — ensuring no division or disparity between children in the same village.
Why we prioritize community-based support
In conflict and displacement zones across Kasai, North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, isolating a 'sponsored' child among children who are not creates tension in families and schools. When a family is displaced again due to renewed violence, individual tracking is severed.
By supporting a local SAPI programme through our integrated SAPI-CARE approach (Heal · Educate · Protect · Empower), your contribution accompanies children wherever they find refuge:
- Schooling and school retention (CARE-EDU): tuition fees, learning supplies, safe school rehabilitation (Safe Schools) and catch-up classes for children out of school due to war or displacement.
- Health and nutrition (EHMA): frontline medical consultations, child malnutrition screening and treatment of common illnesses.
- Psychosocial support (CARE-MH): active listening, safe spaces and group activities for children who have endured violence, bereavement or displacement.
- Protection and family reunification (IDTR): identification of unaccompanied children, tracing of relatives and family mediation.
Where your donations go in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Our local field teams work first and foremost with the most exposed children:
- Internally displaced children in South Kivu (Kalehe, Uvira, Kamanyola), North Kivu (Walikale, Nyiragongo) and Ituri, forced to flee armed clashes without their school supplies or access to medical care.
- Children affected by crisis and forced returns in Kasai and Kasai Central, supported through emergency relief and sustainable reintegration initiatives.
- Children released from armed forces and armed groups (CAAFAG) and children separated from their families, cared for to return to civilian life and education.
You can view full details of our interventions on our page Democratic Republic of Congo as well as in our reports and publications.
How your monthly or one-off support works
- Vous choisissez le rythme de votre soutien : one-off donation or regular contribution via our page Donate.
- Direct allocation to field programmes: funds are committed to education, healthcare, nutrition and child protection initiatives in the DRC.
- Transparency and reporting: we publish field mission reviews, emergency appeals and updates on projects run with our local and international partners on our website.
Frequently asked questions about child sponsorship in the Congo
Can I sponsor an individual child and exchange letters?
No: to protect the privacy and safety of minors living in conflict zones (in strict compliance with international child safeguarding standards), we do not publish individual child profiles nor do we arrange one-to-one correspondence. Your donation benefits a cohort of children supported across our programmes in Kasai, Kivu and Ituri.
How much should I contribute to support a child's education in the DRC?
There is no fixed amount. Every contribution helps purchase school kits, operate reception spaces and provide medical and psychosocial care for children.
How can I track the use of funds on the ground?
Our field mission reports and latest updates are published in our Publications. For any question regarding a specific project or partnership, our team responds within 48 business hours via the page Contact or our frequently asked questions.
Support this work for children
Every contribution directly funds the protection, care, education and empowerment of children affected by conflict. Bank transfer: IBAN BE16 5230 8150 9074 (Triodos).
