Zaire Noela’s resilience

Mount Nyiragongo, on the outskirts of Goma, erupted for the second time in 20 years on 22 May 2021, wiping out villages and fields, and destroying churches, schools and houses with the tremors that followed the lava flows. The Diocese of Goma responded initially with emergency provision of food, water, cooking equipment and shelter. After a few weeks our focus turned towards a more medium-term strategy of providing 70 of the most vulnerable households with $100 each to be able to start a small-scale business. With this we provided training in small-scale commerce and mutual support with the organisation of the recipients into village savings and credit associations (VSCAs).

Many of those we provided support to had lost everything, but rather than continuing to look solely to outside support many were keen to be able to support their families themselves as soon as they were able. The option of starting small businesses was considered by many as a good step towards their empowerment.

Zaire Noela is one such woman. A 50-year-old widow and mother of 5 children including 1 boy and 4 girls. She lives in temporary accommodation in the village of Kanyanja, north of Goma. She tells us “Before the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo last May I lived in my own plot with my children and did a lot of farming. However, lava from the volcano covered all of my fields and my house and destroyed all of the goods that were in the house. We fled to Rwanda, but hunger forced us to return to DRC.

I was identified by the Anglican Church who then trained me and supported me with a sum of US$100 for business start-up funds. From this sum, I trade in charcoal and flour, the profit allows me to buy food for my children and I save a sum of at least $1 every week depending on the profit received. First of all, I thank my God who protected me, despite the material damage, my children and I are all alive. My thanks also go to the Anglican Diocese of Goma who assisted us during this very difficult period.”

February 2022