Two years after its founding, the “Family Solidarity” group continues to develop in a district of Bukavu.

When the group started, there weren’t many of us. Because we lacked resources and money, lots of people thought it wouldn’t last long. But bit by bit, we grew. We grew in moments of pain, and we grew in moments of joy. While the meagerness of our resources prevents us from giving each other material goods, we do give each other something valuable: friendship and respect. As true neighbors, we work to support each other in times of need — repairing homes, visiting folks who are sick, and lifting spirits of those who are incarcerated.

Although we are called the “Family Solidarity” group, the support we provide extends to all members of the community. For example last year for the World Day for Overcoming Poverty, together we repaired a small bridge and fixed a road that had been washed out. These and other improvements benefit the entire neighborhood.

This group opens up our minds, unleashing our intelligence to face the challenges of poverty. It gives each one of us the energy to rise above our situation, to feel well-deserved pride in our families. Many of us work difficult, menial jobs. Our children are proud to see us go out each day to work for a better life for them. Our love for them motivates us to work, even when we’re sick. We brush aside our pains with the knowledge that our work enables our children to eat for another day.

Our group is a true family in which everyone is valued. Everyone’s ideas are welcome, and we know we can bring valuable ideas to others who are far from us. One of our members said that, since he started coming to the group, he feels more secure, more part of a community. He often receives visits from one or another member of the group coming to his house to greet him or tell him when the next meeting is. In this group, the youngest and the oldest people value each other. Our community spirit connects us all.

When we were asked to contribute to the international colloquium “Extreme Poverty is Violence, Breaking the Silence, Searching for Peace,” we were surprised to realize that the families here were known worldwide. It gave us a sense of the impact of our efforts, and we realized that we do indeed have something worthwhile to contribute. We hope this group lasts, and that our children — and our children’s children — will also be able to take part one day. Despite living in poverty, together we will change the world.