Brothers of Charity

In Kigoma town there is a seemingly modest building, with two classrooms near the road, built of thick reeds and thatch, a chalkboard and benches. On the sign that faces the road it is written, ‘Brothers of Charity’ with the offical seal, as well as the Ahadi (which means, Promise in Swahili) Institute, the Maendeleo (Progress) youth center, Chemchemi (Spring, fountainhead) education resource center and the Africa Development Education network. I was drawn inside, greeted and was soon in dialogue with the director. People are always very willing to talk here.
A Belgium man named Stanley started the center. He has lived in the Great Lakes region for over 30 years, first in Rwanda, then Burundi and briefly the DRC, as though following the circular nature of conflict that has plagued the region, before he finally settled in Kigoma – bringing with him some orphans from his previous homes. The center is alive. There are elders, children, teachers bustling to and fro, some seeking assistance or food, others helping. Soon I discover that it is not just a center, but also a boy’s home – 100 young men live here. One boy, Jean Michelle takes me around.

The 100 boys and young men are squeezed into dormitories with bunk beds. A few of them are playing outside. Jean Michelle points at one and explains that he has epilepsy, which in many African countries is not recognized as a medical condition, but a mark of black magic. Here, he is seen by the Doctor and taken care of by his brothers. Another boy is from Congo, which puts him at a disadvantage, as he has no papers and must conceal his identity in order to remain under care. Now he is a boy and can get away with it, but as an adult it will be far more complicated. I asked J-M if there are other boys from areas of conflict –
“Because of Tanzanian politics we hide ourselves if we are refugee.” he said.
There are groups of people around the compound doing various tasks, boys washing their clothes, a man cooking beans and ugali in giant pots over a fire, an elderly woman sitting on the ground looking out from eyes that seem to have lost their light. He tells me she has lost her mind. She can be at peace here. The programs range from providing basic needs to GED style academic programs that qualify young adults who were unable to finish school. They also provide clubs, like boy scouts and the Upendo (love) club, both which organize service trips to spend time with elders or orphans, as well as organizing outdoor activities.

Jean Michelle has been here for a few years. At first he was spirited with the aspiration to become a brother within the diocese. Now, he is unsure of his allegiance to this country, or faith in his country of origin. He has watched his family disperse around Congo and abroad. He has been alive just long enough to know the circulation of conflict that cursed his region.

“Je n’ai pas l’espoir en Afrique.” he says.

I organize a return, to meet with the director of the Ahadi institute for refugees.