As a mother of two, Universal Children’s Day (observed on November 20) resonates deeply with me. It is an opportunity to promote togetherness and children’s welfare worldwide. As I thought about this week’s Global Update, I was reminded of the story of Sadiki, a 13-year-old in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“I used to work every day in the mine, earning almost nothing. My family is very poor, my father died and my mother is extremely poor, we have nothing at all.”
Sadiki’s story is one we are painstakingly familiar with at Jewish World Watch. Her testimony keeps Jewish World Watch staff, Board and supporters energized and focused on finding innovative paths to a better future for children in conflict.
When Sadiki found the Jewish World Watch-funded Congo Peace School, a new hope emerged.
“The day I heard about this Educational Assistance Program my life changed completely because I went back and got re-enrolled in school and it was the beginning of a new life for me.”
No longer forced to work, Sadiki was able to receive a quality education and now dreams of becoming a geologist who will study the minerals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and how they might be useful to the world.
There are millions of children who were born into adverse situations, just like Sadiki. Through hard work, innovation and financial support, their trajectories can change, too.
Let’s hold up the world for the children.