The Heart of Ngalula: How Outdoor Play Unites a Congolese Village

The image depicts a group of children in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. They stand on a reddish-brown dirt surface, likely a field or open area, with green foliage and trees in the background. Several children wear blue sports jerseys with the number "17" printed on the back. One child wears a yellow t-shirt. The children appear to be interacting, although the specific activity is unclear. Their clothing is casual, suggesting an informal setting. The overall scene evokes a sense of everyday life in a rural or developing area.

Several children play soccer on a dirt field. Some children are dressed in blue sports jerseys with orange accents. A few adults sit on the grass under some trees behind the field. The area is dusty.

A group of approximately 20 children are gathered around a tree in an outdoor setting. Some children are standing and interacting with each other, while others are sitting on the ground near the base of the tree. There's a black plastic bag on the ground and a yellow plastic bowl is visible nearby. The children are wearing various colored shirts and pants. The ground appears to be dirt and there's some grass and greenery surrounding the area.

A wide-angle photograph depicts a group of approximately 30 children in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The children are primarily of African descent, varying in ages and attires. The setting is a bare, red-dirt ground, bordered by a line of verdant trees and shrubs. In the distance, a cloudy sky is visible. The children are engaged in various activities: some are standing in a circle, others are playing, and a few are observing. One boy is holding another upside down. Several sandals and small objects are scattered on the ground. A blue basin with yellow material inside is located in the lower right corner.

In an outdoor location in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, approximately 13 children are engaged in a casual activity. Most are wearing blue shirts with numbers on the back, while a few wear yellow shirts or plaid patterns. Some children are in motion, while others stand stationary. The environment consists of a dirt ground and vegetation.

The image depicts a group of approximately 18 children in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are gathered on a dirt road in what appears to be a rural or semi-rural area. A small building with a white facade and a reddish-brown roof is visible in the background, partially obscured by greenery. The children are dressed in a variety of clothing, including t-shirts, shorts, and trousers. Several are wearing blue sports jerseys with the number "17" prominently displayed on the back. Some are barefoot, while others wear sandals or shoes. One child is wearing a black t-shirt with an image on the back. The children appear to be interacting, walking and gesturing. One child appears to be reaching to pick something up off the ground. The ground is dusty and sparsely covered with grass. The background consists of dense trees and foliage. The lighting suggests it is either early morning or late afternoon.

In Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a young boy in a red polo shirt with white buttons and decorative collar stands in the foreground on a dirt ground. The shirt has the inscription "AMIR 22". Behind him, a line of children appear to be waiting near a blue bowl filled with yellow objects. One child in the line holds a blue plastic object, possibly a toy. Buildings and dense vegetation are visible in the background, with a mountain range on the horizon under a cloudy sky.

In Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a group of children are gathered on a dirt ground. In the foreground, two children are smiling at the camera. The child on the left is wearing a maroon shirt with an embroidered collar. The child on the right is holding a green bamboo stick, wearing a reddish-orange long-sleeved shirt with holes. Behind them, other children are playing and standing around. One child is lying on the ground in an orange pants and white shirt. In the background, green trees and bushes can be seen under a hazy sky. A few adults can be spotted among the children. A blue bowl is on the ground to the right.

The image depicts a dirt road in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. A man in a blue shirt and dark pants walks along the road, away from the camera. A group of children are standing to the right of the road. The background consists of trees and vegetation. The sky is overcast. Another individual is walking in the distance to the left.

A group of six children of African descent gather around a red plastic bag on a dirt path in what appears to be a rural area. They are rummaging through clothes scattered near the bag. Buildings and trees are visible in the background. Some of the children are wearing sandals or slippers. The atmosphere seems curious and engaged.

The image shows a group of children gathered on a red dirt ground in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. A smaller group of children are seated near a tree, examining an egg carton. Nearby, a group of standing children hold clothing and play with a multi-colored horn. A black trash bag rests on the ground. A yellow bowl is visible by the tree. Vegetation surrounds the children. A white bird is visible in the background. The clothing worn by the children varies, including shirts, pants, and sandals. Some children are barefoot.

A daytime shot depicts a group of children clustered in an outdoor setting in the city of Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The setting appears to be a yard or open area with a dirt surface, with trees and grassy vegetation visible in the background. There are also buildings with brick exteriors. One child, slightly older than the rest, stands in the center holding a bundle of light-colored fabric. Other children surround this figure, most looking towards the individual holding the fabric, with various facial expressions suggesting curiosity or anticipation. The children's clothing is varied, ranging from t-shirts and shorts to dresses. Some children are wearing sandals, while others are barefoot. One child is crouched over a red plastic bag. There's a fallen, empty fabric bag on the ground next to a seated child. One of the children is holding a toy.

A group of children are posing with a banner in what appears to be a rural area in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The banner is white with writing in French and images of logos. It mentions TPO/DRC, confidence from 2010 to 2026, and Domaine D'Interven. The text on the banner includes references to subjects such as protection of rights, agriculture and security, environment and development, governance, peace, health, nutrition and WASH, education, and infrastructure. Most of the children are wearing the same style of royal blue, red, and yellow shirt, while others are in casual clothing. They are standing on a red dirt surface, and the background consists of low-lying vegetation. Some children are holding the banner, while others are posed in front of it. The location is characterized by a dirt road and green foliage.

The image shows a group of approximately 12 children standing and squatting in front of a white banner in an outdoor setting in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Most of the children are wearing blue, red, and yellow jerseys. Some are barefoot, while others wear shoes. The banner has the logos of several organizations, including "TPO DRC", a tree symbol, and the Swiss Confederation logo, as well as text in French and another local language. The text references a project "SOTE KWA HAKI ZA WATOTO" (Protecting the Rights of Children), with the location ZS: KIMBILULER. The domain of intervention includes protection of vulnerable people, fighting against violence, agriculture, environment, governance, health, education, and shelters. The ground appears to be red dirt. There is green vegetation in the background. Some children are holding the banner up, while others are posing for the photo.

A group of at least twelve children, mostly boys, are gathered in an outdoor area with a red dirt ground and some vegetation in the background. They are standing or crouching in front of a banner that promotes the "Bureau Terrain de Ngalula" project, which is supported by TPO/DRC (Transcultural Psychosocial Organization) as a partner for confidence from 2018 to 2026, funded by DDC. The banner also lists the project "Sote kwa Haki za Watoto" (Project: All for the Rights of Children) and the area ZS: Kimbilule, ending with "Endeleo Ya Kijamii". The banner is also sponsored by the Confederation suisse/Confederazione Svizzera and its Direction du developpement et dela cooperation DDC. The domain of intervention is listed on the banner as well as protection of rights and other topics. The location appears to be near Ngalula in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Most of the children are wearing matching outfits in the colors of blue, red, and yellow, possibly to identify them with the project.

Three children are sitting on the ground outdoors. One child is wearing an orange t-shirt and worn shorts, holding playing cards. Another child is wearing a blue and orange patterned dress. The third child is wearing a dark dress with a light-colored upper part and is holding a toy. The ground is a mix of dirt and sparse grass. A discarded sign lies in the background. Other individuals are visible in the distance. The scene is located in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

A group of children are gathered outdoors on a dirt ground, possibly in or near the city of Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the foreground, several children are sitting on the ground, appearing to be playing with objects. One child, seated and wearing a yellow dress, is looking towards the center. Another child wearing a light-colored shirt is seated and appears to be engaged in the game, next to a person in a white tank top leaning forward, also playing. Beside them sits a child in a gray shirt, holding onto a white packet labeled "ANGORIBI". A child in a pink and white shirt stands facing a tree, which is partially visible. To the right, a child stands with their back to the camera. A child in a white shirt with mud stains is holding a blue plastic horn over his head, while another boy is standing next to him. In the background, other children are walking or running on the dirt ground. The environment is dusty with scattered pieces of litter and sparse vegetation. In the distance, more children are seen walking on the dirt ground.

The image depicts a group of children in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the foreground, children are playing with marbles and other toys on a dirt ground. One child stands apart holding a blue and green plastic horn. Other children in the background are seen playing football. The ground is covered with sparse vegetation. A large tree trunk is visible to the left. The background includes other trees and greenery.

A wide, low-angle shot shows a group of children playing outdoors in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ground is a reddish-brown dirt. In the background, there is dense green foliage. Nine children are visible, all dark-skinned. Most are running, while one child is lying prone on the ground. The children are wearing various clothing, including blue shirts, a yellow shirt, a black shirt and shorts, and a white shirt. Two children are wearing blue soccer jerseys with numbers; one has the number 17 and the name "TAMENTU", while the other has the number 12 and the name "MIVUEL" printed on the back. The overall impression is one of casual play in a rural environment.

A group of children are playing in a dirt field in the city of Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Six boys are visible, with others in the background. Some of the boys are wearing jerseys or t-shirts. One boy wears a yellow outfit. A water melon sits to the right. Houses and foliage fill the background. The soil is reddish-brown.

In Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a group of children are playing in a grassy area. Two boys in athletic shirts are actively playing soccer with a green ball. Other children are sitting on the ground nearby. A few buildings are visible in the background. The ground transitions from grassy to red dirt.

A group of children are on the ground in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Seven are gathered around a mancala board game, which is resting on the bare ground. Four children sit behind the others. There is ground vegetation, and sandals are in the foreground.

In Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a group of seven children are sitting in a circle on reddish-brown dirt ground, possibly playing a game. The children are dressed in various clothes, including a white tank top, a light brown jacket, a light pink shirt, a blue t-shirt with "GRIEZMANN" printed on the back, and patterned fabrics. Several pairs of sandals are scattered around the edge of the circle. The backdrop consists of green foliage and what appears to be a blue tarp or sheet.

A wide, static shot shows a group of children sitting and squatting in a dirt patch surrounded by green brush. Six children are close to each other and appear to be playing a game with small white objects. They are all facing toward the center of the circle and looking down. Their clothing varies from a white tank top and white skirt to a soccer jersey with the name “GRIEZMANN” and the number “7” on the back. Three children are sitting and facing away from the others, toward the back of the shot. They sit in a similar position, and one is playing with a thin stick. A blue tarp is on the ground to the left. The lighting is bright and even.

The image depicts a group of approximately 20 children playing in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The children are on a red dirt ground, some of them wear the blue and red jerseys of the national football team. In the background, there are green trees and bushes. Some children are running, others standing or interacting, some are wearing casual clothing while others are wearing sports gear. One child in the center appears to be holding a blue object.

In Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a group of children plays soccer on a dirt field. Most of them are wearing blue jerseys with the number 17 and the name "BAKAMBU" on the back. There are about 15 children in total. Some of them are actively playing, while others are standing around or walking. The background includes foliage, some huts with roofs, and what might be the side of a building. The sky is overcast, and the general environment suggests a rural area.

The video shows a group of children playing in a dirt field. Most of the children are wearing blue and red jerseys. Some are also wearing casual clothes. The kids are running around, throwing their arms up, and interacting with each other. In the background, there are trees, bushes, and small buildings. The sky is overcast. There are some mountains in the far distance.

In Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a group of approximately 14 children plays on a dirt field. Most of the children are wearing jerseys, some of which are blue with the number 17. The children are dispersed across the field, some kicking a green ball. Background vegetation includes bushes and trees, and two buildings with metal roofs are visible. Mountains are present in the far background, under a sky.

A group of children play soccer on a dirt field in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Several children wear blue and red soccer jerseys. One boy kicks a green soccer ball. In the background are small buildings with corrugated metal roofs and trees. A girl in a white dress stands in the middle of the background near the building to the left. A blue water bottle is on the ground near the right of the image.

A group of children are gathered in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in an outdoor area characterized by reddish-brown dirt and vegetation in the background. Most of the children are wearing soccer jerseys of varying colors, some with numbers and names on the back such as "BAKAMBU" and "KINZA" with the number 9, 17. Some are in casual clothes. They are scattered across the open space, some interacting with each other and some standing alone.

A group of children, many wearing blue soccer jerseys with the number 17 on the back, are gathered on a dirt road. Some children are standing, while others are crouching or walking. The road is surrounded by greenery and a few simple buildings are visible in the background. The children are talking and appear to be engaged in some sort of informal gathering.

In Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a group of approximately 14 children are playing on a dirt field. Most of the children are barefoot or wearing sandals. Some wear jerseys, including blue and red ones resembling a sports team uniform. One child has a yellow shirt and another wears a black t-shirt with a print. The children appear to be in motion, possibly playing soccer. The background features low, simple buildings with corrugated metal roofs and surrounding vegetation. The ground is reddish-brown dirt. The lighting suggests it's daytime.

A group of children are playing on a dirt field in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The children are wearing various types of clothing, including t-shirts, shorts, and sandals. Some are wearing sports attire with numbers. One child is holding a ball above his head, while others are watching him. There are trees in the background.

In Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, several children are playing in a grassy field. The child closest to the viewer wears a yellow shirt and has their back turned. A child in a blue shirt with the number 17 is walking. Other children are running in the background, near a line of green vegetation. The ground is a mix of brown soil and green grass.

The image shows a group of children in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, walking across a field. The children are wearing casual clothing, including t-shirts and shorts. One child is wearing a blue t-shirt with "BAKAMBU" and the number "17" on the back. The field is covered in grass and vegetation, with trees and bushes visible in the background. The environment appears to be a rural or semi-rural area. The actions observed are children walking or playing in the field.

In Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, several children are playing outdoors. Some are running barefoot on a dirt path, while one child is on the ground. The children are wearing various shirts and shorts. The background shows a grassy area and some trees.

In Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a group of approximately ten children of varying ages are positioned on a dirt road adjacent to dense green vegetation. The children wear assorted clothing including a yellow shirt, light blue shirt, striped shirt, and several blue soccer jerseys. One child is actively kicking a soccer ball. The scene is daytime.

A medium shot shows a group of around 15 children playing on a dirt field in what appears to be a rural setting. Most of the children are wearing blue shirts with the number 17, and some are wearing other clothing, including yellow shirts and white outfits. The children are scattered across the field, some walking, some running. In the background, there are several small, simple buildings, suggesting a village or small community. The backdrop includes lush greenery and mountains in the distance, partially obscured by a hazy sky. The ground is dry and reddish-brown, with patches of grass near the edges of the field.

The image depicts a group of children playing outdoors in what appears to be Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The background reveals simple, possibly brick structures with corrugated metal roofs. Several children are scattered across a dirt field. Some are wearing blue jerseys with red and yellow accents. Others have on various clothing, including a white gown, a yellow shirt, and printed shirts. Some of the children are actively playing, while others are standing around watching. The ground is reddish-brown dirt. Vegetation is visible on the left side of the image, and there is a distant hill or mountain in the background.

The video shows a group of children playing soccer on a dirt field in what appears to be a rural area. The field is reddish-brown dirt and surrounded by green trees and shrubs. In the background, there are several small, simple buildings made of red brick or similar material, some with corrugated metal roofs. A mountain range is visible in the distance, beneath a cloudy sky. Most of the children are wearing casual clothes, some in blue soccer jerseys. They are running and kicking a soccer ball across the field, engaged in a game. The camera follows the action as the children move around the field.

A group of about 15 children are playing in a dirt field. Some of the children are wearing blue and red jerseys. A few small buildings are visible in the background, along with some trees and distant mountains. The children are running around and appear to be playing a game.

The image depicts a group of children in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are standing and walking on a red dirt road in a village. Most of the children are wearing jerseys. Several buildings with red brick walls and thatched roofs are visible in the background, along with trees and vegetation. The sky is overcast.

The image depicts a group of children in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on a red dirt field. They are engaged in playful activities, with some wearing casual attire, including t-shirts and shorts. The background features vegetation, trees, and simple structures or buildings. Mountains are visible in the distance. The overall scene suggests a rural or undeveloped area.

The image shows a group of children playing on a dirt field in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The children are wearing various casual clothes, some in colorful jerseys. They are scattered across the field, some running, some standing, and appear to be engaged in a game with a ball. The background includes trees, bushes, and two simple, white-roofed structures, likely houses. The environment suggests a rural or semi-rural setting. A portion of a child's head is visible in the lower center of the frame, looking towards the camera.

Children are playing soccer on a reddish dirt field in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. There are approximately 10 children visible. One child, dressed in a blue and red shirt, is running toward the group. Two other children are actively kicking a soccer ball in the center. Several other children are standing or walking nearby. The background consists of dense green foliage and bushes. A building with a white roof is seen in the upper right corner of the image. The ground is reddish dirt, typical of the region.

In Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a group of approximately 12 children are gathered on a red dirt area. The children are wearing various clothing, including t-shirts, shorts, and sandals. Two of the children are wearing blue jerseys with the name "BAKAMBU" and the number "17" on the back. Some children are standing, while one appears to be lying on the ground. The background consists of dense green vegetation and a red dirt hill. The scene appears to be outdoors.

The video shows a group of children playing in a rural outdoor setting. The ground is reddish-brown, suggesting a dirt or clay surface, with patches of grass and dried leaves. Some children are running around, while others are standing or sitting. They are wearing various casual clothes, including shirts, shorts, and some are wearing jerseys with numbers. The background features lush green vegetation, likely trees and bushes. The video is somewhat shaky, indicating that it was filmed while moving. The children appear to be engaged in some form of chasing game, based on their movements.

A group of approximately twenty children and one adult are gathered in an outdoor setting in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The location appears to be a grassy field with trees and bushes surrounding the area. A building with a red roof is visible in the background. The children are of various sizes and ages, most are barefoot. They wear casual clothing, including T-shirts and shorts. Some children wear shirts with names and numbers, resembling sports jerseys. The adult stands in the background and wears a patterned shirt. The children are dispersed throughout the field, some standing and observing while others appear to be interacting with each other. The grass is dry, and the overall environment indicates a rural or semi-rural setting.

In Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a group of children are gathered outdoors near trees and a building. One boy in the foreground is carrying a pile of blue clothing, wearing a black shirt with a sneaker print and patterned shorts. He has on olive-colored sandals. Another boy walks behind him wearing jeans, sandals, and no shirt. Several other children are in the background; one of them is holding an infant. The ground is a mix of grass and reddish soil.

A group of approximately 15 children are gathered outdoors in Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are standing on a dirt patch with sparse grass growth. Some are barefoot, others wear sandals or shoes. An adult figure is bent over, sorting through clothing near the edge of the dirt patch. The children are positioned near two trees. In the background, a path leads toward a building with a red roof and white walls. Other buildings are visible in the distance. The sky is overcast.

Location: Ngalula, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Scene: A group of approximately 20 children are gathered in a clearing amidst sparse vegetation and trees. Two buildings are visible in the background. A boy is carrying a pile of clothes and another boy is holding a pink bag with the word "SIMBA" on it. Some children are interacting, while others are standing or walking around. The ground is primarily red soil. Debris is scattered on the ground.