DRC: a tricycle provided by HI changes Dorica Zawadi’s life

Fleeing violence with a disability: a double challenge 

My name is Dorica Zawadi, I am 30 years old. I fled the war in Kashuga in North Kivu to come to Sake with my children. I have a physical disability. 

When the violence broke out in our village, everyone scattered in different directions, fleeing for their lives. To this day, I have no news of my children’s father: I do not know whether he is alive or dead. I live here alone with my children, and it is up to me to provide for them despite the difficulties I face. 

“Before, my situation was very difficult. I couldn’t walk. I got around on all fours and stayed at home all the time. I couldn’t go to the market, nor could I do any work to earn an income and feed my children...”  

HI has helped me a great deal 

Living conditions here in Sake were becoming increasingly difficult; we were living in extreme poverty. Members of the community, who had seen my situation, told me about HI and its work with people with disabilities. They told me I could receive a tricycle that would make it easier for me to get around. 

I paid for a motorbike taxi to take me to the site where HI operates. The teams gave me a warm welcome, assessed my needs, and assured me they would come and visit me. A week later, they arrived at my home with a tricycle.  

Regaining mobility and independence 

Since I’ve had this tricycle, my life has changed. Now I can get around on my own without any difficulty. When I need something, I can go and buy it myself. I’ve regained my mobility. 

Thanks to this means of transport, I was able to start a sewing course, which has improved my living conditions as well as those of my children. Now I know how to sew. People bring me clothes, and they pay me. With this money, I can provide for my family, such as feeding my children and looking after them. 

Even though life remains difficult, I now have a solution: I can travel around the community to ask for help if I have no sewing clients. 

“Life was very difficult, but since I’ve had the tricycle, I’ve learned to sew, I have an income, and I can feed my children.” 

A project to support people in need

In the Birambizo health zone in North Kivu Province, HI is implementing a project providing emergency medical assistance, physical rehabilitation services, and psychosocial support for communities affected by the crisis in North Kivu. 

Between March 2025 and February 2026, this project achieved the following: 

• 978 people received physical and functional rehabilitation 
• 399 people received assistive devices (walking sticks, crutches, tricycles, etc.) 
• 1,240 people took part in group psychosocial support sessions 
• 359 people received individual psychosocial support 
• 445 people were referred to specialist services 
• 874 awareness-raising sessions were organized 

The project also includes health and nutrition initiatives, particularly for children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, as well as training for healthcare staff.