My dear friends, family and wider virtual community,

I write with a heavy heart at the recent eruption of violence in Goma, DRC. This on-going humanitarian crisis that is not getting the international pressure or intervention it needs. The safety and livelihood of thousands of people is disrupted, and for what?? The situation is dire and, surprise surprise, elected leaders are nowhere to be seen. We must then mobilise manually, relying on the will, heart and connection between people where the systems choose blindness.

Two weeks ago, after intensified gunfire and bombing, M23 rebel groups claimed control over Goma, DRC. Electricity and water were cut, air travel blocked, thousands were forced to flee their own homes. 3000 lives have been lost in under 10 days !! The East African Community is being slow to action, scratching its head and picking its nose. Meanwhile, the rebel groups advance further into Congo, towards Bukavu, its next target.

Two good friends of mine are based within the region of conflict. They are dancers and community organisers who’ve dedicated their artistry to the betterment of their community through running “Inuka Dance Company” (ENG: Uplift Dance Company) and Hadisi Urban Festival for over 6 years. Their organisation preserves life and potential in desperate conditions. Hasn’t this been the point of art for so much of human history? To express in depressing circumstances?

Just the day before Goma was forcefully seized, my friend had been at the refugee camp. This is common to hear from him, that he’d spent the day distributing food and clothes for women, doing games and activities with children. Overnight, years of efforts have been undone.

From this, an opportunity emerges. To deepen the support for those who have been supporting on a daily basis. How to support a struggle for the basic rights many of us take for granted? And thus, this virtual chamaa (ENG: crowdfund), a call to give a little of what we have to let some friends know they are not facing this alone.

I’m asking that you give $5 that would have otherwise been spent on a luxury. Obviously, you’re free to give more, if you can! All funds raised will go to their organisation, to offer them a steady supply for their rebuilding efforts when the situation deescalates. It will go to the basic needs, such as food and clothes, for those who have been displaced. If we could get 4000 people to give $5 each, we would reach our target amount.

This comes from my own hope for things to be different. Looking to do what I can with my despair about the situation of those I care about, and my awareness of the safety and security I often take for granted. Thinking that, just a little bit more from each of us can go a long way.

In hopeful motion, hopefully with you, and with your friends too,

Anuarite.