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Kinshasa, DRC

Giving rural workers and women opportunities to provide for themselves

Oral Genealogy Program

Families in rural DRC are receiving important family history information and written documentation, thanks to the Oral Genealogy program in partnership with Family Search International. In most of rural Congo, and Africa in general, it is uncommon to have a written history of family history. As aging elders pass away, their stories and knowledge pass with them. This program connects younger workers who conduct oral histories of their elders and preserves tribal family history and lineage. Over 50 workers are employed to collect the data in the Kwilu and Kwango Regions. Many of these field workers were unemployed and now are making upwards of $100/month. The impact of their new salaries has dramatically improved their purchasing power and opportunities. Two field workers are getting married, another can now afford a house; another pay for the food and school tuition for everyone in his family. The soft skills these employees learn are transferable to any job: self-motivation, attention to detail, record-keeping, and computer literacy.
115 villagers came to learn about the program
Field Worker and Family
Radio broadcast of the program generates interested and employees

Hair School

One of Tifie’s core values is helping people create an income for themselves and their families. When we can combine skills and job placement, that’s a pathway for success in any culture or location. We opened a hair school in 2019 to give women a pathway to income. The program is nine months long and 10 women are currently enrolled. These women didn’t graduate high school and many are single mothers. The cost for opening their own businesses after completing the school is $267, and the opportunity for income is double than if they worked for someone else.
Students in Class
Hair School in Session
Rick & Denise Maingot at the School

Sewing School

Local seamstresses in Kinshasa can make about $70/month while working for someone else OR they could own their own business and make up to $200 a month. After going through the DRCEO 12-month training program, and an investment of $286 into their new business, they are on track to make a good income for themselvse and their families. We've had several years of students go through the program, who go on to run their own businesses. These graduates made uniforms for our AAE schools. The seamstresses designed and manufactured 1,800 uniforms. This program is important because it helps women to learn income-generating skills and become self reliant. About 80% of our students in this program didn't not have the chance to graduate from High school, so this school paves the way for a successful next step.
Dianga Mafanda Esther started the program without knowing how to sew. After the training, I am now competent and BCP gave me work to do."
Christine Gata, Head Seamstress
Mumbuku Albertine Palmira has learned how to work with customers thanks to this training. She says "I am able to make dresses, pants… and also to create new fashion."

GET INVOLVED

The cost to give a “hand up” to one of these aspiring seamstress or hairdressers is $275. Please considering donating to “DRCEO” on the donation page to help them with their new business.

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