Funding school scholarships for girls in DRC

Introduction

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, extreme poverty deprives many children of their basic rights, especially access to education and adequate nutrition. In Goma, orphans and young girls are among the most vulnerable. To address this urgent situation, our organization has launched two complementary initiatives: providing daily nutritious porridge to orphans and funding school scholarships for underprivileged girls.

Context and Justification

• Over 74.6% of the Congolese population lives on less than $2.15 a day (World Bank, 2023).
• Orphans in Goma suffer from chronic malnutrition, affecting their growth, cognitive development, and overall health.
• Girls in rural areas face a higher risk of school dropout, early marriage, sexual violence, and generational poverty.
• In rural areas, only 38% of girls are enrolled in school, compared to 89% in urban settings.

This dire reality threatens the development and future of an entire generation.

Project Objectives

1. Improve the nutritional status of 100 orphans in Goma by providing enriched porridge daily for 6 months.
2. Increase access to education for 30 vulnerable girls by awarding scholarships for school or vocational training.
3. Break the cycle of poverty by promoting girls' autonomy through education and skills development.

Main Activities

• Daily distribution of nutritious porridge to 100 orphans in a local care center in Goma.
• Selection of 30 young girls using a participatory approach involving schools and local communities.
• Award of scholarships covering school or vocational training fees (e.g. electricity, management, tailoring).
• Psychosocial support and personalized follow-up for each beneficiary.
• Community awareness campaigns on the importance of girls’ education.

Estimated Budget

Total Budget: $8,000 USD
This amount will cover food supplies, porridge preparation costs, school materials, registration fees, and project management.

Expected Results

• 100 orphans fed daily with nutrient-rich porridge.
• 30 girls enrolled in school or vocational training.
• Increased school retention rates among vulnerable girls.
• Reduced risks associated with extreme poverty: malnutrition, exploitation, and early pregnancies.

Our Funding Strategy with GlobalGiving

Thanks to our strategic partnership with GlobalGiving, we now have a unique opportunity to raise international support for this vital project. This collaboration will help us:

• Gain international visibility for our mission.
• Attract both individual and institutional donors.
• Ensure transparent and accountable fund management.
• Build a global community of supporters dedicated to children’s rights and girls’ education in DRC.

Call to Action

We need your support to turn this project into reality. By contributing to this program, you are not only helping to save lives through nutrition but also transforming futures through education. Together, we can empower a resilient and educated generation, ready to build a better future for Congo.

Donate. Support a girl. Feed an orphan. Change a life.