"In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Christmas was marked by volunteer efforts to support children who lost their parents during the conflict earlier this year. At local orphanages, groups of volunteers organised small celebrations to provide activities, food, and a sense of normalcy for some of the most vulnerable residents in the city of Goma. Footage filmed at the Mabadiliko Orphanage on Thursday shows nearly 200 children participating in games, sharing meals, and singing Christmas carols. Volunteers also helped with decorating and providing small gifts. "We really wanted to give them joy too, and for this Christmas celebration, for them to have the grace of experiencing a moment where they don’t think about the suffering they endured in the past few days," said Sam Salama, a volunteer. "The children also needed to celebrate Christmas because there was a war. Parents died, children were lost, and for those who remained, parents are unable to offer them the joy of the 25th. That’s why we came to celebrate with the children; we are the young volunteers of Goma," Gaelle Bwiga, another volunteer, commented. Laurente Mugoli, head of the orphanage, said the volunteer support was crucial. "We really can’t manage it simply because we don’t have the resources, which is why we can’t properly meet their needs. But when people like this come together to bring joy to these children, it’s a great relief for us. Personally, I was there, and I didn’t know how I was going to manage caring for more than 200 children," she said. Years of fighting between government forces and the M23 movement have displaced millions and destabilised large parts of eastern DRC. The conflict escalated this year, with M23 seizing the main cities of Goma and Bukavu. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the group - allegations Rwanda firmly denies. "