Fighting Malnutrition in Uvira
Having worked at headquarters and in deep field levels with and for the UN and NGOs, I feel that their major shortcoming is that the people in need of aid are the final priority. It's logical: you need to take care of the donors first, else you wont survive. Big NGOs also have huge overhead costs.
I have felt compelled that at least while I'm in Uvira, one of the poorest cities in the second-least developed country in the world, to do something, while I have the opportunity.
Mulongwe, in Uvira city.
Perhaps Uvira and Australia have more in common than first thought?
The issues I seek to address
Many children in Uvira suffer from Kwashiorkor - severe malnutrition identifiable by a swollen abdomen. Without treatment, a child will be seriously stunted in mind and body. Parents instead will choose to save money for school, as the state provides no free school services.
$10 can resolve the issue in two to six weeks, along with $5 USD doctors visit to educate the parents.
Kwashiorkor is common in Uvira.
Another major issue in Uvira is, unfortunately, corruption. Not long ago, state security forces paid themselves exclusively through extortion, something known as 'article 15'. To an extent, this continues today. 
South Kivu's minerals anti-corruption minister, arrested for corruption in 2017.
The result is a society that has total distrust for each other and authorities.
In addition, poverty drives young people (young men in particular) into armed groups and criminal activity.
Local authorities, for a vast range of reasons are unable to address these issues in any comprehensive way in Uvira. Either they are helped, or they suffer. 
When the roads flood in Uvira, entrepreneurial locals bring boats to transport people across at a fee.
I have already created a basketball competition in Uvira, buying uniforms and equipment, forming teams and providing coaching.
In addition to creating an organised activity for the community (hundreds of spectators often watch matches), it more importantly creates at least one aspect of life where team mates, opposition and referees can be trusted and respected. This goes some distance, however small, in addressing the enormous trust deficit lying in the community. 
Basketball tournament held on international volunteers day, with some assistance from the United Nations.
Further to this, I am trying to integrate groups within teams that have a history of distrust - such as security forces/civilians, different ethnic groups and neighbouring Burundi.
The programs
With your help, I wish to further develop the basketball program and expand the 'combat contre Kwashiorkor' (fight against Kwashiorkor) program. The latter works with local parents to feed children suffering from the ailment, on site, and provide a doctor's visit.
The bennefit of donating here is that excepting a bank transfer fee, there are no overheads: every cent donated goes towards the recipients. Utmost transparency will be shown in updates here and it will be enforced.
Thank you for reading and I am always happy to answer any questions.