ODASOV

This organization is based in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Walunga Village and was established to set up organizations that assisted with post-war rehabilitation and care of the many victims of war.

Part of this was the organisation “Pour le Development et l’Assistance Sociale Aux Vulnerables” – the Organisation for the Development and Assistance for the Vulnerable.

The organisation assists women and children who have been affected by the violence of war in the Congo. Many of those assisted suffer diseases, such as  HIV/AIDS and other infections as a result of rape during the war.  Many of the children assisted are orphans and some of the under-age girls may be pregnant.

ODASOV will help those children with education. Many women and young girls experience mental health disorders such as anxiety, fear, intrusive memories and flashbacks, as well as less obvious consequences such as shame guilt, difficulties in daily functioning and withdrawal. These women are isolated and ashamed,. They are then forced to find their own way and to live in poverty.  This stigma at the community level means survivors usually suffer in silence, fearing further ostracism if the ordeal is made public.

Walunga is among the town affected by a lot of violence in Democratic Republic of Congo: many women are suffering with HIV/AIDS and other STDS. Many young girls have been raped during the ward and become pregnant by an unknown person.  It is ODASOV’s purpose to help women who are survivors of sexual violence (SGBV)

There are also many widows in Walunga territory south of Bukavu.  Some of their husbands were killed during the war and others died trying to protect their wives and children from sexual violence. After they had been  systematically raped and tortured while the community was forced to watch, some of these women were disowned by their husbands. The number of women and young girls raped every day increased. One in three women was a victim of rape.

More than 1,200 Congolese are said to die every day from conflict-related causes, preventable diseases, poverty, gender-based violence and many other atrocities.

The organisation has many ongoing projects, which require assistance

Albury/Wodonga community members have combined with a former Walungu resident to raise funds to give victims of war and those left vulnerable the chance of future life.  The goal of Odasov is to present opportunity for a safe and better future and to give the desperate hope.

This small, caring registered committee is raising funds to build a training centre in Walungu, DR Congo for abandoned and widowed women and their dependents where they will be trained in micro-industries and given education.

Orphaned children will find refuge at this centre.

Together we can help the poorest of the poor live a life of dignity.

We can help them become self-sufficient so they don’t need to rely on charity.

No matter the amount, your donation will make a lasting difference to help end poverty.

Mail cheques or money order to : Odasov, PO Box 197, Wodonga 3689 Australia

A receipt will be issued on request.

With the help of ODASOV, these students have received assistance with school fees and school uniform costs for 2011 and 2012. In this photo, they are holding up signs saying thank you for the assistance ODASOV donations have provided.