Massive burns to four children and their mother resulted from the accidental spill and ignition of kerosene by their father, while filling an oil lamp last August. (After the initial "spill" one of the children accidentally kicked the low table while trying to flee, thus dousing the others with the flaming liquid.) After a month of heroic efforts by the Kikongo hospital doctor and staff, all of the victims were transferred to the hospital in Vanga, which is better equipped to handle burn treatment, skin grafting and physical therapy. For several weeks, it was touch and go.One of the children, Susana,did not respond to treatment, and died in October.

However, ALL of the other children and their mother were JOYFULLY REUNITED with their family here in Kikongo.There is still MUCH to do in the way of "exercising/moving the joints" etc, the worst is over and the children are being well accepted "home" even though there is massive scaring visible on their arms and faces.

The ENTIRE COMMUNITY is just glad they are alive, and now well.