RDC

Facilitating local initiatives in the DRC

• Project name: Fil
• Project duration:

Our objective:

To strengthen the capacities of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the DRC to promote a more inclusive and participatory democratic space. The project supports initiatives in the areas of governance, human development and sustainable development.

Our actions

• Establishment of the Local Initiative Support Service (SAIL), a resource centre for CSOs in the 26 provinces of the DRC;
• Training and support for 120 microprojects across the country;
• Funding for local microprojects up to €60,000 for a maximum duration of 12 months each;
• Support for concrete initiatives on a variety of themes:
  • Peacebuilding (Western Kasai)
  • Literacy and integration of young people (Kinshasa)
  • Care for street children (Kinshasa)
  • Detection of complications related to sickle cell anaemia (Kinshasa)
  • Cultural promotion: jazz and piano festivals (Kinshasa)
  • Expansion of hospital maternity wards (Kisenso)
  • Economic resilience of women in mining areas (Ituri)
  • Agribusiness for young people (Central Kongo)
  • Food security and access to water (Kwilu)
  • Urban sanitation and environmental education (Kinshasa)
  • Youth engagement on climate change (North Kivu)
  • Participatory land governance (South Kivu)

Our Impact:

This project helps to revitalise Congolese civil society in all provinces by promoting local initiatives. It strengthens participatory governance, improves access to fundamental rights and gives a voice to grassroots actors, particularly young people and women.

RDC

Inclusive vision: access to basic social services for the most vulnerable

• Project duration: 2022 - 2026

Our Objective:

To promote equitable access to quality basic social services — eye care, inclusive education and vocational training — for vulnerable populations, particularly women, visually impaired children and street youth.

Our Actions:

• Training partner service providers, particularly women, on social services and eye care;
• Supporting basic education for visually impaired children and vocational training for young people living on the streets;
• Logistical support and equipment for partner organisations (medical equipment, teaching materials, etc.);
• Support for infrastructure adapted to the specific needs of women and people living with disabilities;
• Strengthening the regional distribution centre in Lubumbashi to ensure the supply of medicines and inputs related to eye care;
• Social mobilisation for the enrolment of visually impaired children in school and access to vocational training;
• Establishment of sustainable mechanisms to facilitate access to care in the targeted provinces;

Our Impact:

This project helps reduce inequalities in access to healthcare and education in the DRC. It supports the inclusion of the most vulnerable populations in appropriate healthcare and learning pathways, while strengthening the capacities of local structures for a sustainable and equitable response.

Burundi

Mental health promotion

• Project name: Projet IZERRE II
• Project duration: 2022-2026

Our goal:

Providing quality healthcare, with a particular focus on access to mental healthcare.

Our actions:

• Integration of mental health into primary care through training for healthcare workers (psychological and medical care).
• Training of mental health support workers within communities to identify cases and refer them to healthcare facilities.
• Awareness campaigns to destigmatise mental health issues.
• Socio-economic reintegration of people suffering from mental health issues through income-generating activities and the creation of community support groups.
• Specific actions for children, particularly in schools (prevention, listening, support) and for women.
• National advocacy to include mental health in public policy.

Our impact:

This project aims to strengthen the integration of mental health into primary healthcare and community life. It reduces stigma, promotes the reintegration of people suffering from mental illness and strengthens local solidarity and resilience dynamics.

Burundi

Promoting community health mutuals for access to healthcare

• Project name: AMAGARA ARUTA AMAJANA II
• Project duration: 2022-2026

Our goal:

Influencing health policies, enabling the entire population to access quality healthcare and preventing certain diseases.

Our actions:

• Support for the structuring and governance of seven mutual societies in the north of the country.
• Support for regional and national federations in developing the mutualist movement.
• Support for the healthcare system to guarantee quality care for mutual society members.
• Prevention campaigns on non-communicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, etc.
• Mass screening for female cancers (breast, cervical).
• Raising awareness of mutual insurance membership, particularly among women and social economy initiatives.

Our impact:

This project strengthens equitable access to healthcare through the development of the mutualist movement, while promoting prevention and citizen participation. It thus contributes to more inclusive, sustainable healthcare coverage that is rooted in local realities.

RDC

Strengthening the health system

• Project duration: 2022 - 2026

Our Objective:

To improve the physical, mental and social well-being of the people of South Kivu by strengthening access to quality, person-centred healthcare that integrates mental health and the prevention of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Our Actions:

• Integration of mental health and nutrition into primary healthcare;
• Training of healthcare personnel (doctors, nurses, psychologists, laboratory technicians) in person-centred care;
• Support with essential medicines for the management of diabetes, hypertension and mental disorders;
• Emergency support with healthcare equipment and medicines for health centres following the conflict in South Kivu;
• Strengthening governance and the capacities of local health structures;
• Support for community participation through the involvement of health committees, patient groups and local leaders;
• Awareness-raising and support for vulnerable groups, particularly street children;
• Support for regulators (health administration, supervisory staff) to ensure consistent and sustainable oversight.

Our Impact:

This project improves the quality of care for thousands of patients and reduces the stigma associated with mental health. It strengthens the capacities of healthcare providers at all levels, promotes the inclusion of the most vulnerable, and fosters a more humane, preventive, and participatory approach to care.

RDC

Support and reintegration of children and young people living on the streets

Quatre projets différents visent actuellement l’accompagnement et la réinsertion des enfants et jeunes en situation de rue à Kinshasa. Il s’agit du projet « Enfants en Situation de Rue » financé par la Coopération belge, « Tremplin », financé par Enabel, l’agence technique de la coopération belge, « Elenge na Mosala », financé par la région Bruxelles Capitale et enfin le « Trajet d’apprentissage » financé par la Fondation Roi Baudouin.

• Project duration: 2022 - 2026

Our objective:

To promote the empowerment, socio-professional reintegration and dignity of young people living on the streets of Kinshasa by offering them a learning, training and support programme tailored to their needs.

Our actions:

• Reception and support for young people living on the streets, more than half of whom are girls;
• Vocational training in informal trades (cooking, beauty, cutting and sewing, electricity, mechanics, etc.)
• Practical internships with master craftsmen in the informal sector;
• Additional training in digital marketing, soft skills (behavioural and social skills) and entrepreneurship;
• Distribution of integration kits containing useful tools to help young people who have demonstrated strong motivation and empowerment skills to start their own businesses;
• Development of an inclusive approach promoting girls' access to traditionally male-dominated trades;
• Integration of a research component with UNIKIN (University of Kinshasa) to analyse integration pathways;
• Capacity building for teams at partner centres (psychosocial support, career guidance, integration).

Our Impact:

These projects offer a concrete alternative to exclusion for particularly vulnerable young people. They provide them with useful skills, recognise their potential and reconnect them with their economic and social environment. In this way, they help to build dignified and sustainable life paths.