About Congo Aid

Congo Aid came into being as a small group of people in the Blue Mountains began to understand the unending crisis that had been unfolding in the DRC over some decades. The ‘silent tsunami’, as it has been called, of human suffering due to ongoing civil war, disease and poverty led to the inevitable and tragic reality of orphaned children and inadequacy of care.

After visits from (now) Bishop Isesomo to Sydney, particularly in the Blue Mountains where he spoke at various churches, public events and schools, this small group formed Congo Aid as a vehicle for specific support to a struggling new orphanage (CCD) run by Dorcas Mbambu and her husband and an associated school. CCD is local DRC registered organisation with local Board members. It is a respected and valued Care facility in Butembo, North Kivu DRC.

Congo Aid has been able to provide ongoing living and medical requirements for the children as well as support the associated Mutawanzuki School.

Our Mission

To provide support and assistance to citizens or refugees of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who are in financial need.

To promote and support the education of children living in the DRC, whether or not those children are citizens of the DRC.

To promote the support the establishment and maintenance of health and dental services for the citizens or for refugees living in the DRC.

To promote and provide medical, dental and social services that assist citizens or refugees living in the DRC who are suffering from HIV-AIDS

To promote and support the establishment of agriculture, home industries and small business initiatives in the DRC to assist citizens and refugees living in the DRC to become financially self sufficient.

To extend micro-finance to the citizens of the DRC, to assist them to become financially self-sufficient.

BOARD MEMBERS

  • Peter Bragg


    Peter runs an IT / Research company based in the west of Sydney and is involved in a number of community groups working with youth and general age groups.

    At the end of 2006 Peter visited Butembo, Beni and Aru and other sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a wonderful opportunity to meet and work with the people, to see first hand what their situation was and after returning looked for a way to contine to assist the people of the DRC. In 2011 and 2014 Peter had the opportunity to go to the DRC again working in Butembo, Beni in various schools and clinics.

  • Rowena Bragg


    Rowena had the privilege of visiting Butembo in both 2011 and 2014 with her husband Peter. It was wonderful to meet many people and see the situation first hand. In particular, meeting Dorcas, her husband and her team who look after the children in their care was very special. Bishop Isesomo, his wife and team at the Anglican Diocese who are also instrumental in the care of the children at the orphanage. It was humbling to be invited to the baptism of two of the children and see the extent of care that Dorcas, the Bishop and the church give to the children.

    Since then Rowena has lived in Tanzania for 5 years, now back in Australia continuing the support of the orphanage and attached school.

    The challenges of life in Butembo are immense and the constant work and care by the dedicated team in Butembo for the children in desperate need is inspiring.

  • Greg King


    Greg has taught in systemic Catholic schools in the diocese of Parramatta for 27 years. Those experiences have cemented a strong sense of social justice which was instilled in him from his family’s values and his own education experiences. He has always felt strongly about and supported social justice initiatives. His friendship with Peter and Rowena Bragg introduced him to the situation of people in the DR Congo. He is enthusiastic about the direct connections Congo Aid has forged with the people of Butembo and the opportunities it offers for a continuing relationship.

  • Karen King


    Karen has taught in systemic Catholic schools in the diocese of Parramatta for many years. Those experiences have cemented a strong sense of social justice which was instilled in her from her family’s values and her own education experiences.

  • David Lindsay


    David Lindsay is a Maths teacher. He first became interested in the DR Congo listening to Graham Toulmin whilst in a dentist’s chair before Graham and Wendy first went to Butembo. Meeting colleagues of Graham’s from the DRC in recent years cemented in his mind the need to respond in some meaningful way to the issues they spoke of.

    David has been a member of Congo Aid Inc since its inception and is keenly interested in supporting the work of schools in the DRC. Education is an important tool in the fight against injustice and poverty. It is also important in providing role models in a society where there are so many orphans.

  • Veronica Mitchell


    I first became connected with CongoAid during my time as prefect at St Paul's Grammar in 2012. I have developed a real heart for the project and for the people of the Congo who live in a world difficult for us to fathom yet share the same spirit as us. What I am passionate about is seeing the need and doing something about it. Though the situation in the Congo is severe, knowing that the lives of some can be benefited by care and education is a step closer to that individual overcoming their circumstances. It is important to show our supporters that while the need is ongoing, we are able to reach people.

  • Paul Mitchell


    In my time at Paul's Grammar helping out with Congo Aid, I came to recognise the conditions the children and teachers endured in DRC. As an Australian, I'd be crazy not to be thankful for the amazing country I live in. It is a privilege to be able to help out with Congo Aid, knowing that some of these children will never know family, health and education as I have been so blessed to know.

  • Janene Clifton


    Janene works at Caroline Chisholm Girls’ School in western Sydney. She is keen to carry on the support for the DR Congo that has been established at the school.

  • Tanya Bragg

    Tanya is mum to three children & a social worker who has a passion for working with children & families. She has experience in working in both non-government & government organisations, particularly in child protection. Tanya believes that all children have a right to have their basic needs met & to experience a safe, positive and happy childhood.

    Tanya became aware of the situation for the Congo people through Peter & Rowena who shared their knowledge & experiences. She was reminded of how blessed she & her family are in Australia and in 2021 joined the Congo Aid board to support the work of Congo Aid Inc.

GET INVOLVED WITH CONGOAID

Help us to support the people of the DRC by becoming a CongoAid member. You can show your support financially or simply by helping at our events. For more information email message@congoaid.org or sign up today.