The Esther Fund: Saving Children’s Lives in Sankuru
The Esther Fund is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to saving children’s lives in Sankuru Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. In this region, children often die from preventable causes for lack of just a few dollars. We exist to change that. Every child we serve is made in the image of God. Their lives have immeasurable value—and that is why we are committed to ensuring they receive the care they need to survive and thrive.
Our Mission
Our mission is to connect Sankuru’s children to life-saving healthcare by bridging the gaps created by extreme poverty.
Our Vision
Our vision is to reduce childhood mortality in Sankuru from 15% to less than 1%. We believe that the 120,000 babies born in Sankuru each year should lead healthy lives because they receive comprehensive preventive and curative medical care.
Why Sankuru?
Sankuru is one of the most underserved regions in the world. The province is about the size of Ohio and is home to more than 3 million people, including around 120,000 babies born each year and more than 500,000 children under the age of five. Serving these children is especially challenging. Sankuru has no paved roads, no paved runways, and vast areas that can only be reached by foot or small motorcycle. Children often die from preventable causes simply because care is unavailable, transportation is difficult, and families cannot afford even minimal costs. Yet this is also a place where small, targeted interventions can save lives at scale.
How Our Model Scales
Sankuru Province is organized into 16 Health Zones, each with a referral hospital and a Health Zone administrative office. Each Health Zone is made up of an average of 16 Health Areas, with a total of 248 Health Areas across the province. Within each Health Area, a primary health center provides preventive services and first-line medical care for children. This structure allows the Esther Projects to scale systematically, ensuring that every child can be reached with preventive and life-saving care.
What We Fund
The Esther Fund focuses on simple, proven, high-impact solutions. We fund essential preventive services such as vaccines, bed nets, deworming treatments, and vitamin A supplementation. We also ensure that children who become sick can access life-saving treatment at the community and hospital levels. We support local healthcare systems and leadership, and we use data to continuously improve outcomes. We measure results, not just activity.
Focused, Accountable Leadership
What makes this work effective is its focus, leadership, and accountability. Life-saving care can often be delivered for just a few dollars per child. The work is led by a Johns Hopkins–trained physician who lives full-time in Sankuru. Programs are tracked, reported, and regularly audited. The work is focused on one of the most underserved regions in the world and is designed to reach all 248 health areas and every child born each year.
Our Board
The Esther Fund is governed by a committed board of leaders.
Sir Paul Petrie
Mary Fleming
Dr. Paul Law
Sir Paul Petrie serves as President. He has been involved in Sankuru since 1967, established National Prayer Breakfasts in many European countries, and was knighted in Austria for his service.
Mary Fleming serves as Treasurer. She holds a PhD in statistics and a Master’s degree in Public Health. She has served as the executive director of a mission-driven nonprofit organization and has many years of experience playing a leadership role in a variety of nonprofit endeavors.
Dr. Paul Law serves as Executive Director. He is a Johns Hopkins–trained physician and public health expert who lives and works full-time in Sankuru, leading the implementation of the Esther Projects.
John Peake
Mary Van Kesteren
John Peake serves as a Board Member. He is an experienced leader in international development with a deep commitment to Christ-driven humanitarian work. He and his wife co-founded Amazi Water in Burundi and now lead Peake International Development.
Mary Van Kesteren serves as a Board Member and brings valuable experience and a passion for serving children and families.