My research into Cobalt mining in the DRC inspired me to write a poem that could be interpreted as a typical family situation in the Congo.

Corruption is rife, extreme poverty drives parents to sending their children to work in the mines, or worse still sell them to traffickers. Trafficking also accounts for missing children that are kidnapped to work in the mines or be trafficked throughout Africa and onto Europe or other countries. People in the Congo are treated as disposable commodities, there are many deaths in the Artisan mines, either directly or secondary. Orphaned children then have to work to survive.

This story sounds unrealistic, but sadly these are common events in the DRC, in particular the Artisan Mining districts.

My daughter recorded the poem, which was then added to the movie showing the conditions in the mining area. The movie is to be played in conjunction with viewing the two artworks.

Sound Credit & Bibliography