DRC: Equip a vocational training center for girls

Introduction

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces major challenges: widespread poverty, rapid population growth, and deep gender inequalities. Girls and young women, especially in rural areas, are often excluded from education and economic opportunities. In response, OGDH-RDC ASBL is launching an innovative project to empower out-of-school girls and vulnerable women through vocational training.

General Objective

To establish a fully equipped vocational training center in South Kivu to train 60 out-of-school girls and young women per year, providing them with the skills needed to achieve economic and social independence.

Specific Objectives

• Offer hands-on training in tailoring, soap making, food processing, and masonry.
• Integrate modules on leadership, gender equality, and business management.
• Organize participants into cooperatives to facilitate market access and ensure sustainable incomes.
• Raise community awareness on the vital role of women in development.

Problem Statement

Despite free primary education, many girls drop out due to lack of support or family pressure. Without schooling, they become dependent, vulnerable to violence, and excluded from the economy. This project aims to break that cycle by equipping them with practical skills and long-term support.

Main Activities

1. Equipping the training center (sewing machines, processing tools, construction materials, etc.)
2. Selecting and mentoring beneficiaries.
3. Delivering vocational and complementary training modules.
4. Creating and supporting women’s cooperatives.
5. Conducting community awareness campaigns to elevate women’s value in society.

Expected Results

• 60 women trained each year, totaling 180 over three years.
• At least 6 active income-generating cooperatives created.
• Improved household income and increased school attendance for children.
• Emergence of women leaders in rural communities.
• Strengthened local economic resilience.

Long-Term Impact

This project directly contributes to women’s economic independence, sustainable community development, and gender equality. It also fosters mindset shifts and intergenerational progress. Beneficiaries become agents of local development.

Strategic Partnership with GlobalGiving

Thanks to the partnership with GlobalGiving, OGDH-RDC ASBL gains access to an international fundraising platform. This collaboration boosts the project's visibility, builds donor trust, and ensures transparent fund management. GlobalGiving is a key lever to maximize our impact.

Overall Project Budget

The total estimated budget is $35,000, covering equipment, training, educational materials, and beneficiary support. While no major funding has been secured yet, we are confident that our GlobalGiving campaign will help us reach this financial goal in the coming months.

Call for Support

We call on partners, donors, and advocates for human development to support this transformative project. Every contribution, big or small, changes the life of a young woman, her family, and her entire community. Together, let’s build a future of equality, prosperity, and resilience for girls in the DRC.