Press & media

Telling the story responsibly.

Resources for journalists, partners and event organizers. For interviews, field access or images, contact us first. Every request involving children goes through our safeguarding review.

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Two smiling boys holding up toy cars in the playroom at a Center for Hope

News & releases

Latest

  • Press release

    Five-year protocol signed with Beni's Division of Social Affairs

    Fesser and Friends, World Hope Givers and DIVAS Beni, the state child-protection authority, signed a five-year collaboration protocol running to September 2031. It covers referral, case management, psychosocial support and reintegration for vulnerable children and women affected by armed conflict.

  • Press release

    Land secured for a permanent Beni Center for Hope

    After six years and four moves between rented houses, Fesser and Friends bought a 1,500 m² plot in Beni for a permanent campus, funded by a $30,000 grant through the University of Washington’s Social Justice through Philanthropy course. The funds the students allocated to us were provided by the Philanthropy Lab. Planning for the build is under way.

    Nicolas Fesser and Boris Pavic with students from the University of Washington's Social Justice through Philanthropy course holding a $30,000 check made out to Fesser and Friends
    Dr. Nicolas Fesser and Dr. Boris Pavic with University of Washington students as the class presents a $30,000 grant for the Beni land, June 2026.

  • Press release

    Goma Center for Hope opens for former child soldiers

    Months after Goma changed hands, Fesser and Friends and World Hope Givers opened a long-stay rehabilitation center for boys formerly associated with armed groups. Built for 20 children, it received 50 referrals on its first day.

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About Fesser and Friends

Fesser and Friends Inc. is a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 86-2234262) that protects children from recruitment by armed groups and exploitation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. With Congolese partner World Hope Givers, it runs two Centers for Hope in Beni and Goma, North Kivu, providing safety, health care, schooling, psychosocial support and family reunification. Since opening in March 2020, it has reunited 1,002 children with their families. All field staff are Congolese.

Photos & filming

We can share high-resolution photography and documentary footage from Beni and Goma once each image has been cleared under our Child Protection Policy.

  • Children's faces, real names and locations are never published together.
  • Visits and filming require written consent from guardians and our partners in advance.
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