Displaced families at the Buhimba camp near Goma in North Kivu, DR Congo, were given a rare chance to celebrate Christmas when Santa Claus arrived with festive cheer and warm meals.
A youth association, “Leader Volontaire,” organised the event, aiming to support those displaced by armed conflict during the festive season.
Volunteers, alongside Santa Claus, prepared hundreds of hot meals, bringing smiles to children and their families.
“We wanted to have fun with the kids as it’s Christmas. It’s important to celebrate with the kids and their mums,” said Ali Abdallah, who took on the role of Santa Claus for the occasion.
For many, this was the first celebration of its kind in the camp.
In a region where over two and a half million people have been displaced due to attacks by armed groups, events like this provide a brief reprieve from the daily struggles of life in the camps.
Organisers prioritised sharing a hot meal and creating a joyful atmosphere over distributing toys, seeing it as a more meaningful way to bring comfort to the children.
This act of kindness not only brought the spirit of Christmas to the camp but also served as a reminder of the resilience and humanity that persists even in the face of adversity.
