Families at the Buhimba displaced persons camp near Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, experienced a rare moment of joy this Christmas as Santa Claus arrived, accompanied by volunteers bearing hot meals and festive cheer.
The event, organized by the youth association “Leader Volontaire,” aimed to uplift the spirits of displaced families during the festive season. Volunteers cooked hundreds of meals, creating an atmosphere of excitement and celebration as children and their parents gathered around Santa Claus.
Ali Abdallah, who dressed up as Santa, shared his motivation: “We wanted to have fun with the kids as it’s Christmas. It’s important to celebrate with the kids and their moms.” 
For many, this celebration was a first. Sifa Mugoli, a grandmother caring for three grandchildren in the camp, expressed her gratitude: “Today I’ve just seen some young people come to give us a party. We’re very happy—God bless you all!”
The Buhimba camp is one of many in the North Kivu region, where over two and a half million people are displaced due to attacks by armed groups. These families face ongoing hardships and rely heavily on humanitarian aid.
According to the organizers, the decision to provide hot meals instead of toys was deliberate, prioritizing nourishment and shared moments of happiness over material gifts.
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