Friends united: How one British couple are bringing hope to the children of the Congo

The Kigazura villagers welcome Ron and Pauline's party as they arrive for the school-opening ceremony which takes place over the hill in Mishashu village Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

Ron and Pauline Friend are embraced by the people of Miwembe district after arriving in a UN helicopter Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

The children of the Miwembe district hold signs to thank them Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

Government soldiers and Indian army helicopter pilots (left) at the UN landing strip, Miwembe district Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

A villager collects firewood in the early morning mist of Miwembe village Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

'Every child wanted to hold their hands and check out the whiteness of their skin; every parent wanted to offer thanks': Congolese children with Ron and Pauline Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

Ron and Pauline blow up balloons for local children used to playing with balls of rags. The balloons prove a big hit Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

Ngirabaku Nzi Muharaba, a 67-year-old village elder (left) who lost three of his 10 children in the Congolese fighting; and Kenasi Runagana, 58 (right) who lost 5 sons Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

The parents' committee of Mushashu school (left-to-right): Mavugo Kimbumbu, Mr. Sebukubu, Mr. Ibrahim and Pastor Mazuru Ruhorimbere Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

A child in a classroom at the current school in Miwembe village Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

A young boy writes on a blackboard that is breaking off the wall at Miwembe school Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

The children in class at the Miwembe village school that desperately needs repair Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

A tearful Ron and Pauline Friend stand with villagers at the plaque commemorating their son, Martin Friend, who was killed in the area in 1999 Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

Ron and Pauline Friend walk over the hills in Eastern Congo to visit schools being built in the area by the charity Children in Crisis, of which they are patrons Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

Ron and Pauline Friend are met by the people of the Eastern Congo as they visit schools that the charity Children in Crisis helped build Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

Pastor Samson holds a picture of Ron and Pauline's murdered son, Martin, at the opening ceremony of Mishashu school in the Miwembe district Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

Excited villagers from the area around Kigazura gather to check on the progress of their new school Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

Ron and Pauline Friend take a moment to relax and take in the view of the Eastern Congo hills as they visit schools being constructed in the area Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall

The hills and rainforests of the easten Congo shrouded in early morning mist Photograph: Andy Hall/Andy Hall