UPDATE: The Weir Views-based charity, Initiative for Peace and Development (IPD), is urgently mobilizing support to send critical medical supplies to the Democratic Republic of the Congo following a severe humanitarian crisis. With ongoing conflicts intensifying since January, the need for medical assistance in cities like Bukavu and Goma is more pressing than ever.
Director Amani Karumba, who fled the Congo as a child, is leading the charge to provide essential aid. “The population is in dire need of medical support,” he explained. “There’s simply not enough medical help available, and we are on a mission to send medical equipment and supplies.”
The charity is currently collecting donations of medical equipment, clothing, and school supplies to assist vulnerable communities. Just last month, IPD, in collaboration with ASPYA Foundation and Redsea Media, hosted the successful African Unity Fundraiser. The event raised funds needed to deliver 120 school kits to students in Goma, reinforcing the connection between Australian and Congolese youth.
“We are bringing together Congolese, Ethiopian, and Sudanese youth to foster community and support each other,” Karumba noted. The initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also promotes long-term empowerment through education and health programs.
Currently, IPD is focused on shipping medical equipment, including electric hospital chairs donated by local Melbourne hospitals, with a target date set for December. The charity encourages anyone who can assist, whether through financial contributions or donations of goods, to reach out via their website: ipdevelopment.org.
Karumba’s journey is a testament to resilience. “Everything we do is step-by-step,” he said, reflecting on the organization’s growth. “We cannot help everyone, but each small difference can create a ripple effect of change.” His commitment to improving lives resonates profoundly as he calls for solidarity from the Australian community.
As the situation in the Congo remains dire, IPD’s efforts are a beacon of hope for many. The charity’s focus on health, education, and community development is crucial in a region ravaged by conflict and instability. The urgency is real, and the time to act is now.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as IPD continues its vital mission to support those in need both locally and internationally.
