Bonne Esperance – rebuilding lives torn apart by conflict

When Christine [below] fled the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, she left behind a lovely home, a successful sewing business, family and friends. After an epic journey of over 3 000km, mostly by bus or on foot, Christine finally arrived in Cape Town on 6 January 2006, late at night, pregnant and alone.

Bonne Esperance Refugee Shelter became her home for the next six months. She attended English classes and began to sew again – producing bags, linen and beautiful embroidery. Her baby, Khrestie, was born on 24 March, and was cared for in the nursery while Christine was busy.

When it came time for her to leave the shelter, Christine was given a small starter pack of household items and a second-hand sewing machine to help her generate an income. In the meantime, her husband arrived in Cape Town, secured accommodation and a full-time job.

Christine is now employed in our Brand*New Jeans project and although she would love to return home when her country is at peace, for now CWD has helped her build a new life.

Shelter, orientation and integration

Bonne Esperance is a place where refugee women and children find temporary shelter, and the help they need to begin adapting to life in a new country.

The children's programme provides trauma therapy and ensures opportunities for early learning are not lost. Recent additions to the shelter are a children's playground and a 'healing' permaculture garden, which produces enough veggies for the refugees' needs. Geese and ducks were introduced as a way of fertilising the soil and producing eggs.

However, with the looming threat of growing numbers of refugees, especially from Zimbabwe, Bonne Esperance will need to expand – and that is only possible if funding permits.

Please click here if you would like to make an online contribution now to this project.