Hope in Action

Supporting Grace Orphanage in Eastern Congo

Bringing Hope. Sharing Love. Building a Future.

Grace Orphanage Congo provides a stable, loving home for orphaned children in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with support from the International Widows & Orphans Fund (IWOF). Author royalties will go to support Grace Orphanage.

Grace Orphanage logo
Grace Ministries Children's Home D.R. Congo

About IWOF

Who Is the International Widows & Orphans Fund?

The International Widows & Orphans Fund (IWOF) is a Canadian registered charity supporting orphans, widows and vulnerable families in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region deeply affected by poverty and conflict.

IWOF is 100% volunteer-run, with minimal overhead so that virtually every dollar donated reaches people in need. Its work combines immediate care with a longer-term vision for education, empowerment and self-sufficiency through trusted local partnerships.

Canadian Registered Charity No. 80415 3336 RR0001

iwof school

A Vision for Lasting Change

IWOF seeks to provide love, safety and opportunity to those who are most vulnerable while moving beyond short-term aid. Its work is focused on helping children and families build more secure futures through education, practical support and opportunities for greater self-reliance.

Children and community at Grace Orphanage in eastern Congo
A Home for Children

Grace Orphanage Congo: IWOF’s Primary Partner

Grace Orphanage is IWOF’s primary partner in eastern Congo. It provides a stable and loving home where orphaned children can receive the daily care and opportunities they need to grow.

Grace Orphanage currently provides:

  • Safe housing and daily care for 46 orphaned children
  • Nutritious meals and medical support
  • Access to quality education and school supplies
  • A stable, loving environment in which children can grow and thrive

Children who once lived on the streets are now attending school and building brighter futures.

Community Outreach

Reaching Beyond the Orphanage

IWOF’s work also extends into the surrounding community, where displaced families, widows and children face significant challenges.

Community outreach and crisis-response efforts include:

  • Weekly food support for displaced families
  • Community feeding programs reaching 400+ people each week
  • Feeding initiatives supporting 500+ children
  • Literacy and business training programs for widows
  • Micro-loans to help women start small businesses
  • Construction of learning centres and community schools
Children having fun at the beach with Grace Orphanage in eastern Congo
A Thoughtful Approach

What Makes IWOF Different

100% Volunteer-Run<br />

100% Volunteer-Run

Minimal overhead helps ensure that virtually every dollar donated goes directly to the field.
Trusted Local Partnerships

Trusted Local Partnerships

IWOF works through people who know their communities, helping create culturally informed responses to local needs.
Transparent Accountability<br />

Transparent Accountability

Regular field updates and ongoing donor oversight provide accountability for the work being carried out.
Long-Term Vision

A Long-Term Vision

Alongside immediate assistance, IWOF works toward helping families move from dependency to greater self-reliance, one child at a time.
The Need in Eastern Congo

Why This Work Matters

The need in the Democratic Republic of Congo has deep roots. A 15-year civil war claimed more than 5 million lives and left an estimated 2 million children orphaned. The crisis received little international attention, while limited basic social services continue to leave widows vulnerable to exploitation and children struggling to survive on the streets.

IWOF responds with practical resources, trusted relationships and a commitment to lasting change.

Quiet close-up of Robin in natural light filtering through trees