Le Jardine d'Eden

Wait, there’s a war in Congo?

The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to our world’s deadliest war since WWII. Over the last decade more than 6 million people have died, and nearly 1,500 people continue to lose their lives daily. Sexual violence is more rampant here than anywhere else in the world, and thousands of children are involved in the war. Why?

There are a number of reasons, dating back over a century. The conflict has been tied directly to the country’s vast natural resources. They are both a blessing and a curse, making Congo a country of great potential and a frequent victim of exploitation.

Today, minerals found in Congo are used in consumer electronics, including laptops and cell phones. While many benefit from the mineral trade, it is the Congolese people who bear the consequences of a conflict that sustains profitable mining enterprise.

A combination of unstable governance, a history of bitterness between local groups, and international interest in Congo makes this situation one of the most complicated on the planet. It is this complexity that has left the current systems in place largely ineffective. A new approach is needed.

Alright, so what’s your plan?

The Falling Whistles story reveals two urgent needs: 
1. Children escaping the war-region. 
2. Children forced to the frontlines of war.

The escaped children are often traumatized and have few options for survival. The result is that they are regularly pulled back into the cycle of war. In Congo we are developing partnerships with community leaders who are rehabilitating these children through education, art, sports, music, human rights education, vocational skills training, medical treatment and nutritional services. Each organization is working to give children the tools to be whistleblowers and stand for peace within the war-region.

Because of security concerns, we cannot expose the names of these organizations at this time. We are working toward healthy and sustainable relationships and look forward to the day when we can show you the physical results of your partnership.

To help the children forced to the frontlines of war, the war must end. The first step toward that goal is to change the way we advocate in the West. Sold out of pockets, living rooms, garages, concerts, warehouses and retail stores, the whistle gives you the opportunity to spread the word about Congo and speak up for peace. Wear your protest and elevate the conversation.

Since learning about the size of the conflict in Congo and reading the Falling Whistles story, our organization has been built on the shoulders of sacrifice from those who did what they could with what they had. The Annual Report shares that story, as well as our numbers from 2009. We will continue to publish reports like these on an annual basis.

Our goal is for every dime you donate to go directly toward solving this global problem, and we are moving steadily in that direction by pursuing donations specifically for overhead expenses. Thank you again for your partnership, we don’t take it lightly and will be putting your donation to good use.

If you would like to join a special circle of individuals committed to our long term growth, please see our ECHO PAGE.

How do we help?

We are currently working alongside Congolese community leaders to rehabilitate 267 war-affected children in northeast Congo. This program is entirely funded from whistle-sales. Your purchase works to restore their lives.

To learn more, visit http://www.fallingwhistles.com/how/

Are you a Non-Profit?

Yes, Falling Whistles is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Non-Profit. Our Tax ID# is 26-3069105.

You can see our letter or recognition HERE

Is my donation tax deductable?

Yes, it is. Please connect with donation@fallingwhistles.com for more info.