Around half of the people in the Central African Republic depend on humanitarian aid. And this is where OSNAC, a New Apostolic relief agency, comes in. It is taking small steps and making a big difference.
It is raining cats and dogs. But neither the young people nor the many others who have gathered in Boali in the Central African Republic seem to be bothered by it. Their joy is unbroken. With umbrellas, high-visibility waistcoats, and printed T-shirts they make a cheerful scene despite the gloomy weather. They are attending the inauguration of a well as part of the Central African Youth Day. This pump finally gives the inhabitants of Boali access to clean drinking water, allowing for a better quality of life, a lower risk of disease, and a far better future. Shortly afterwards, the sun breaks through the clouds.
Thanks go to God and to OSNAC. The abbreviation is derived from Œuvre Sociale Nouvelle Action Caritative, a new aid agency. It was founded in 2021 by the New Apostolic Church in the Central African Republic. OSNAC helps people regardless of race and religion. The aid agency presented three projects in its recently published annual report.
Displaced in your own country
The Central African Republic lies almost exactly in the centre of the African continent. It is almost as large as its neighbour South Sudan but has only 5.6 million inhabitants. This results in a population density of just nine inhabitants per square kilometre. Most live near the many rivers in the south-west of the country, where the temperatures are more moderate and there is more biodiversity. The tropical rainforest grows in the south, while the north with its savannas has a hot semi-arid climate. And there are diamonds and uranium: the Central African Republic has a wealth of natural resources. However, in 2019 it was also third last on the Human Development Index, which looks at poverty and wealth in a total of 190 countries.
After the colonial era, the country was plunged into many crises and today rebels and militias fight each other. A path toward stabilisation is almost impossible: the losses and the desire for revenge on both sides are too great. As a matter of fact, incursions and spillovers from neighbouring countries exacerbated the conflict—and there was no help from the rest of the world. The grim statistics of a few aid organisations that are still on the ground: around half of all people in the Central African Republic need humanitarian aid and over a fifth are displaced—limiting their access to essential services. They people are refugees in their own country.
Don’t look the other way
The New Apostolic Church in the country and in Canada—District Apostle Mark Woll is pastorally responsible for the Central African Republic—is not looking the other way. With OSNAC, the Church wants to help the local people both with humanitarian aid and in the longer term.
The borehole pump, which was overhauled at the Boali Comprehensive School in cooperation with the New Apostolic Church Canada, was reinaugurated in August 2023 at the local Day of the Youth. The aid organisation describes what all had to happen before it could be reinstalled. A detailed inspection of the pump ensued. Once the problems were identified, all the defective components were replaced. All parts of the pump were thoroughly cleaned to remove sand, mud, and other contaminants that could affect its operation. The pump was then tested to ensure it was functioning properly. Parameters such as water flow, pressure, and energy consumption were checked and adjusted accordingly. After successful tests, the repaired pump was handed over during the Day of the Youth and a committee was set up to monitor and maintain the pump so that the local people would be able to enjoy the benefits of clean water for a long time to come. Children, teachers, and neighbours are happy to have access to clean water.
OSNAC also came one step closer to its goal of making high-quality education accessible to children and adults last year on 15 October. Some 200 school kits were handed over to orphans, who are often disadvantaged in terms of education. The school kits motivate and encourage the children and relieve the financial burden on their families.
Going where poverty is worst
The aid agency responded to severe flooding in Bimbo in January 2024. The Oubangui River had burst its banks in Mpoko-Back near Bimbo, leaving devastation in its wake. Hundreds were affected: houses, shops, chicken fences, and more were under water and destroyed. OSNAC responded quickly. On 12 January, the helpers distributed non-food items. The kits contained cooking utensils, hygiene products, and urgently needed medicine. On the ground, the helpers kept their eyes open to see if they could organise any further aid that was needed. In the worst affected areas, OSNAC was able to help 200 flood victims with the kits and provide further assistance to another 50 people who had been impacted severely. This was all made possible by a donation from the New Apostolic Church of the Central African Republic.
The aid organisation wrote afterwards: “The year 2023 was marked by OSNAC’s sustained efforts to meet the needs of vulnerable people in the Central African Republic. Thanks to our partners and volunteers, we have been able to carry out significant projects in the areas of water, education, and humanitarian aid. We remain determined to continue our mission and make a positive difference in the lives of those most in need.”