In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), we support children’s right to equal and high-quality education. We also strengthen the rights of people with disabilities, and support gender equality. Our partner is local Pentecostal Church, CEPAC.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the poorest countries in the world. Prolonged conflict and political instability have weakened education, livelihoods, and security.
In the eastern parts of the country in particular, many families live in constant uncertainty, and children often lack access to education and protection.
What does Fida do in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Fida aims to ensure that children and young people in the DRC can attend school, learn, and grow in a safe environment. We strengthen families’ livelihoods, support education, and promote the rights of children and young people in vulnerable situations.
The programme operates in eastern Congo, in Tanganyika Province, in and around the Kalemie area. The region is home to around 3.8 million people, of whom approximately one million are internally displaced. Between 2026 and 2029, the programme will directly reach around 60,000 people.
The area has suffered from prolonged armed conflict, and reconstruction is only just beginning. Gender inequality, sexual violence, and discrimination against persons with disabilities remain widespread challenges.
What is included in Fida’s Country Programme in the DRC?
- We provide in-service training for teachers to deliver inclusive, trauma-informed, and high-quality education.
- We strengthen the role of children’s parliaments, parent groups, and children’s clubs in schools.
- We support families’ livelihoods through savings groups and help them develop income-generating activities, with a particular focus on strengthening women’s economic independence.
- We offer psychosocial support and peer support groups for survivors of sexual violence.
- We strengthen communities’ capacity to prevent and respond to violence.
- We build the capacity of local civil society organisations and authorities so they can continue the work independently.
As a result, more children gain access to school and receive quality education. Education outcomes improve especially for girls and children with disabilities. Families strengthen their livelihoods, and communities enhance their ability to support children and young people.
At the same time, community resilience grows: savings groups provide financial security, and peacebuilding efforts reduce the impact of conflict. Survivors of sexual violence receive support and are able to reintegrate into their communities.
Fida’s partner is the Communauté des Églises de Pentecôte en Afrique Centrale (CEPAC)
I built a house with group savings.
Birgitte, savings and loan group member, Kalenge village.
Get to know our work
Our Country Programmes
Development work in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh we support the education of children and youth as well as the livelihood of families.
Development work in Bhutan
In Bhutan we support women’s livelihoods by organising vocational training.
Development work in Burundi
In Burundi we support the education opportunities of children and youth.
Development work in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, we support children and young people’s education in areas affected by conflict. We work together with the Ethiopian Guenet Church and the EMWAC church.
Development work in Myanmar
In Myanmar we support the education of marginalised children and youth.
Development work in Nepal
In Nepal we support the education of children and youth.
Development work in Tanzania
In Tanzania we support the education and right to a safe living environment of children and youth. We especially focus on improving the status of children with disabilities.
Development work in Uganda
In Uganda we support the education and right to a safe living environment of children and youth.
Fida in Ukraine
Ukraine is facing one of the largest displacement crises of our time. Fida works to support the well-being and future of children affected by the war.