URGENT UPDATE: The Initiative for Peace and Development (IPD), a Melbourne-based charity, is mobilizing immediate support to deliver critical medical aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid a humanitarian crisis. The organization, founded by Congolese refugee Amani Karumba, is urgently seeking donations to ship essential medical supplies to the war-torn regions of Bukavu and Goma.
In a heartfelt statement, Amani Karumba, who fled the DRC at age 11, emphasized the dire situation, stating, “The population is in dire need of medical support… there is not enough medical equipment or help in Congo.” With the conflict intensifying for over three decades, humanitarian needs have surged, especially since January 2023.
Currently, the IPD is focused on sending medical equipment, including electric hospital chairs donated by Melbourne hospitals, to the DRC by December 2023. They are actively collecting donations of clothes, shoes, stationery, and general medical equipment to support this critical mission.
The organization operates from its headquarters in Weir Views and has been proactive in addressing the pressing needs of marginalized communities, particularly women, children, and refugees facing persecution. “Access to healthcare is one of the most pressing needs in many Congolese communities,” Karumba noted, highlighting the IPD’s commitment to maternal and child health services.
In addition to medical aid, the IPD runs educational programs and a small training center in Goma, where youth receive computer skills training. They also offer sewing classes for women, including survivors of sexual violence, empowering them for a better future.
Last month, IPD partnered with the ASPYA Foundation and Redsea Media to host the African Unity Fundraiser, bringing together the Congolese and Sudanese communities through music, dance, and food to raise funds for aid in both Congo and Sudan. Funds raised from this event contributed to delivering 120 school kits to students in Goma on September 13, 2023.
The organization’s impact extends to Melbourne’s west, where they engage local youth in sports and cultural activities. “It’s been a very tough year for the Congolese community where we’ve lost almost five youth in unimaginable ways,” Karumba said, stressing the importance of community support and cultural connection for young people.
Reflecting on their journey, Karumba expressed his determination to make a difference: “Everything we do is step-by-step, and I think we are going in the right direction.” He encourages anyone interested in supporting their mission to contact IPD for donations.
For more information or to contribute, visit ipdevelopment.org. As the situation in the DRC remains urgent, the need for assistance is more critical than ever.
Stay tuned for updates as IPD continues its mission to foster peace and development in both the DRC and Melbourne.
