By Natsuki Iida | Member of Advocacy Team
To all of you who have always supported us, here is the latest report on “Empowering conflict-affected people in DR Congo”.
Background: The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced war since 1998, and many people are still suffering from the serious effects of years of conflict, such as poverty. Terra Renaissance has been implementing a wide range of support activities in South Kivu and Central Kasai Provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (hereinafter referred to as "Congo") to improve the resilience of the most vulnerable people, such as women and the poor, who have been affected by the conflict. These activities include the provision of living materials, vocational training, and support for starting small businesses.
In August 2016, conflict erupted in the Kasai Central province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing over one million people. Women and children have been disproportionately affected, experiencing sexual violence, loss of spouses, and destruction of livelihoods. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing poverty, leaving many without income and threatening the lives of vulnerable children. Additionally, the conflict destroyed approximately 300 schools and hospitals, severely impacting community infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the region possesses rich natural resources, including diamonds and fertile land suitable for agriculture and livestock, offering potential for livelihood improvement.
In response to these urgent needs, we implemented three projects in the region last year, achieving significant results:
Improving Healthcare Access: We provided training and guidance on clinic management, supplied essential medicines, and advocated with government agencies to establish sustainable operations. As a result, clinics now maintain daily cleaning, organized records, and sound financial management. We also provided free treatment for malaria, typhoid fever, and other illnesses for Vulnerable communities, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly, ensuring their full recovery.
Revitalizing Village Markets: We conducted training on market management and provided necessary equipment to create a safe environment for buying and selling essential goods. The once underutilized market now thrives, with over 1,000 villagers engaging in daily transactions. Beyond economic activity, the market has become a vital social hub for the community, particularly for women.
Building Sustainable Livelihoods: We provided technical training on sustainable palm oil processing and soap-making to 60 vulnerable individuals. Alongside this, we offered guidance on business management, marketing, and legal support. All 60 beneficiaries have successfully established sustainable livelihoods. Notably, the group has fostered a strong sense of community, with members supporting each other through shared meals and childcare when needed.
While our projects have made a meaningful impact, intermittent conflict continues to disrupt the lives of vulnerable people in the region. We remain committed to expanding our support and reaching more individuals in need.
We appreciate your continued partnership in this critical work.
Links:
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
