On May 4, 2023, a devastating landslide struck the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi in South Kivu. The disaster destroyed homes, disrupted families, and left many survivors without food, shelter, or stability.
As a result, Bushushu and Nyamukubi recovery became an urgent priority. Within hours, Eastern Congo Initiative mobilized emergency support. The first response focused on what families needed most: temporary shelter, clean water, and food assistance.
However, recovery did not end when the first emergency phase passed. Communities still needed support to return to school, access care, rebuild income, and restore a sense of normal life. Therefore, ECI and local partners began shifting from urgent relief to long-term recovery.
As recovery continues, women are also playing a central role in rebuilding livelihoods across Kalehe territory. Read more about this work in “Women Rebuilding Kalehe”.
Bushushu and Nyamukubi Recovery Today
Today, recovery continues in practical ways. Thousands of children receive nutritional support and have returned to school. This matters because school gives children more than lessons. It gives them routine, safety, and a place to grow.
In addition, mothers have resumed access to prenatal care. Orphaned children have also returned to classrooms and regained a stronger sense of stability. At the same time, women are rebuilding livelihoods through community savings groups.
Farmers and beekeepers are also working to restore their income. In practice, this support helps families improve food security and reduce dependence on emergency aid.
Despite ongoing conflict and repeated shocks in eastern Congo, communities continue to move forward. Schools remain open. Families keep rebuilding. Local leaders continue to serve their communities with courage and patience.
Why Monthly Support Matters
Long-term recovery needs steady support. Because monthly donations arrive regularly, ECI can plan beyond the next emergency. This makes a real difference for communities that need consistency, not only short-term aid.
For example, monthly support can help keep school meals available. It can also support teachers, strengthen local partners, and help families rebuild livelihoods. Moreover, it gives ECI more flexibility to respond when needs change.
Beyond Bushushu and Nyamukubi, steady giving also helps ECI invest in partner-led projects across eastern Congo. In 2025, this included startup support for a women and children vocational center at Christophe’s Children orphanage. It also included support for Briquette du Kivu through a new pellet compactor machine. In addition, ECI helped relaunch a poultry farm for widowed women through AMAVESA.
These examples show the same principle: steady giving helps communities build systems that last.
You can read more stories from local communities here: [Internal link: Community Stories].
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Bushushu and Nyamukubi recovery is still ongoing. Families have made progress, but they still need partners who will stand with them over time.
A monthly gift of $25 can provide school meals for one child. With $125 per month, you can support three children and their teacher. Ultimately, your generosity helps turn loss into renewed stability and hope.
Together, we can help Bushushu and Nyamukubi build a future rooted in dignity, care, and long-term recovery.
To support this next chapter, visit our donation page.
