Democratic Republic of Congo
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› 15,000 farming and fishing families have received seeds, tools, and training |
Background
The United Methodist Church has a long and far-reaching presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially in the Katanga Province. When fighting broke out in 1999, the local United Methodist Churches reached out to assist the internally displaced persons (IDPs), who had arrived as refugees from the wars in Rwanda and Burundi. The United Methodist Church of DRC has been recognized as a major contributor among the faith-based community in helping the peace process take hold.
In response to the extensive needs in the country, UMCOR opened an office in DRC in October 2002. UMCOR DRC works primarily in the southeastern province of Katanga with programs that focus on agriculture, microfinance and girls' education.
AGRICULTURE
Community Agriculture Development
UMCOR DRC's agriculture program in Katanga Province eases the transition for returning refugees by providing them with seeds, tools and training, UMCOR also helps to rebuild the agricultural economy of the region and improves food security. Thus far, the program has assisted 15,000 farming and fishing families and in a single growing season beneficiaries produced enough crops to meet their needs for 6-12 months. Participating communities are also introduced to corn and sunflower production and provided access to a microfinance program.
To increase post-harvest food security, UMCOR program activities introduce interventions that prevent famine such as food storage bins and processing agricultural produce in the village. The Community Agriculture Development program increases the capacity of participating communities to undertake their own development activities by establishing local committees to oversee the projects. Example projects include building local schools and water points some 72,000 people benefit directly from these food security programs. The results of these programs may be increased economic opportunity for beneficiaries and an increase access to water.
Farmer Training
UMCOR DRC paved the way for improving overall food security in the Katanga region by constructing an agriculture training center. This center is vital because training is an important factor in ensuring food security. The training center provides instruction for returnees to introduce them to new and improved agricultural techniques such as vegetable production, as well as processing soy crops to provide increased variety of high protein soy-based foods.
CIVIL SOCIETY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Through the microfinance program, UMCOR DRC is helping communities to be involved in their own development. The program's micro-credit groups are benefiting over 10,000 individuals in which UMCOR matches what the group has saved and helps them to develop small businesses. The small revolving loans received by micro-credit group member's increases their farm production.
WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT
Girls' Scholarship Project
The UMCOR DRC education program consists of providing scholarships, uniforms, school supplies and mentoring support for 2,012 girls. The mentoring aspect of this program helps meet each girl's needs both in her studies and home life. Girls who are absent from school receive a visit from their mentor to find out what is keeping them home. The mentor then ensures they get the medical attention the need if they are sick and provide assistance and counseling for other issues.
The program is also assisting with Parent Teacher Associations, and forming selection committees consisting of both women and men to ensure that the program reaches most vulnerable members of the community.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS education is a part of the Girls' Scholarship Project. This component provides information on prevention and treatment of the disease. One goal of this program is to equip students to share this information with their peers, thereby multiplying the impact of the AIDS education.
UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION
The United Methodists Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) launched its activities in the DRC in January 2006. Volunteers work with the Girl's ScholarshipProject by providing mentoring and English courses to the UMCOR Girls' education staff.
PARTNERS IN OUR WORK
UMCOR DRC works with a variety of partners to make our work possible. In addition to the private funds we receive through The United Methodist Church we also receive support from the following:
US Department of Agriculture
Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance
Academy for Education Development
US Ambassador’s Fund
