DR Congo: Empower project promotes gender inclusion through basic education

By Rodrigue Harakandi, Communications Officer

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the province of North Kivu, the Empower project, implemented by World Vision and funded by the Irish government's development cooperation programme, Irish Aid, is bringing hope and new opportunities where they are most needed.

Passionate about his mission, Déogratias Kandolo, the project manager, is in the field almost every day to supervise World Vision's interventions in the education sector. Since 2019, he has devoted his time and energy to protecting children and promoting education with the belief that every child deserves a chance to grow and flourish in a safe environment.

The Mwana Isale primary school is one of the schools supported by the Empower project. As you approach this school, you can hear the laughter and singing of the children, testifying to the positive impact of this project. The Empower project is much more than just an educational programme. It also aims to improve access to education and promote women's rights within the community of the Bashu chiefdom, in the Beni territory.

One of the pupils benefiting from this project is Sarah. She has seen her school environment transformed thanks to the construction of sanitary facilities, which have helped to improve the hygiene of the girls in her school, sparing them from illness.

Thanks to the Empower project, Sarah and her classmates also have access to improved sanitary facilities, such as latrines, and materials for recreational activities, enabling them to develop to the full. ‘’My wish is to finish my studies and become a doctor, because my niece Graciela died tragically due to a lack of medical care in our village. I would also like to thank World Vision for building latrines for us,’’ she recalls.

Esdras Mulekya, headmaster of Mwana Isale Primary School, has witnessed impressive changes in his community.

‘‘Before, women were considered to have less intellectual capacity than men. But today, we are witnessing an extraordinary change. In 2022, we had 50% girls and 50% boys in our school. By 2024, girls' enrolment had increased by 3%. Women have enormous potential and performance, and by supporting their education, we can pave the way for a better future for our community, our country, and indeed the whole world,’’ he added.

The Empower project is having a significant impact in the Vuhovi and Mabalako health zones in North Kivu in the DRC.

‘‘We support so many schools. This project offers children the opportunity to dream, learn, and grow in an inclusive and safe educational environment. Through activities to raise awareness of gender issues, social inclusion and positive masculinity, this project paves the way for sustainable change and is a source of hope, transformation and endless possibilities for local communities’’, explains Déogratias, Empower project Manager.