About A-SALEM
"Towards Peace, For the People."
Founded in 2002 by Alice Apendeke, A-SALEM is a grassroots, women-led nonprofit organization based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The name A-SALEM is derived from the Hebrew word Salem, meaning “peace.” True to its name, A-SALEM was born from a deep personal mission—to bring peace, dignity, and support to those who have none.
Alice's journey began after a devastating personal tragedy. Widowed at just 25 and left to care for four young children, Alice faced unimaginable hardship—homelessness, harassment, and economic instability. But instead of giving in to despair, she chose a path of healing through service. She began by helping those around her—hospital patients with no family, children without food, and neighbors with no support. What started as acts of compassion grew into a movement.
Today, A-SALEM is a lifeline for orphans, displaced families, and women survivors of war and violence.
They provide:
● Food and clean water
● Educational support and school fees for orphaned children
● Clothing, hygiene supplies, and essential daily needs
● Mattresses and safe shelter for families sleeping on concrete floors
● Entrepreneurship training and job skills for youth and young mothers
● Support for communities suffering from conflict, malnutrition, and displacement
A-SALEM serves communities in Kinganga and Bita, areas deeply affected by conflict, poverty, and displacement. They respond to war not just with aid—but with hope, care, and practical tools to rebuild lives. In the face of an escalating humanitarian crisis, A-SALEM turns no one away.
They have no large budgets or international offices—just courage, compassion, and a deep love for their people. Their team, led by Alice and her son Robby, is rooted in the community. They live the struggle, and they serve with full hearts.
Most recently, A-SALEM began a water initiative to build clean water wells, helping not only to prevent disease but to fuel local economies. With the first well built, the orphanage was able to move to a safer location, generate income by selling water, and fund food, clothing, and entrepreneurship education for its youth. But the need is still immense—with thousands more seeking refuge, and women and children living without the basics of survival.
Why Support A-SALEM?
Because they are on the ground, trusted by the people, and driven by lived experience.
Because they provide not just relief—but opportunity, dignity, and peace.
Because they show up—day after day—when no one else will.
Your donation helps A-SALEM:
● Build clean water wells in remote communities
● Provide tricycles to transport water to women who cannot walk long distances
● Distribute mattresses, food, clothing, and hygiene kits to displaced families
● Fund education and job training for the next generation
When you support A-SALEM, you are not just giving aid—you are restoring humanity and
hope to some of the most vulnerable people in the world.
Stand with A-SALEM. Give Peace. Give Water. Give Hope.