Our
Vision
The
Start Some Good fundraiser will promote real change for Congolese communities. By providing livestock for women in South Kivu who are survivors of gender-based violence, there is an enormous influence emerging on the future of themselves and their children.
This
economic opportunity serves as a sustainable way for these individuals to feed and educate their children. The women of Center Kitumaini, who are a part of the program for our local partners now have a standing in their community to combat the shame and stigmas
of their attacks. Their renewed voice and involvement in the local community also contributes to the overall economic stability that strengthens community bonds.
The
Future We are Creating
Since
chickens, goats and other animals are a cost-effective business startup with a continuous food supply for their families and are in constant demand in local markets, this initiative can not only create food sustainability, but also a sustainable source of
income.
Now
that these citizens no longer have to face immediate dangers like malnutrition, they can take proactive steps to independently address pressing issues. These Congolese women are entirely self-determined in their actions to bring change within their nation.
Some of the advocacy they have organized include developing farming co-ops, organizing marches, and connecting with other self-determined women’s groups to speak out against their national government.
Our
simple act of providing livestock empowers these women to take steps to improve the lives of their children and the state of their country. Please join us in supporting economic development for Congolese communities and allowing these citizens to work for
change in their own institutions. Based on the success
of this StartSomeGood campaign, it is possible for the Centre Kitumaini to reach out and empower more women. Your donation could be the determining factor in welcoming more individuals to a path of healing, a sense of community and a new beginning.
Our
Background & Experience
The
Atma Foundation and the Centre Kitumaini have partnered for over three years. In this partnership, the two organizations have touched the lives of 600 women and their families. Participants of the programs run by the Centre Kitumaini developed the Hand in
Hand Program, believeing that livestock will serve as an invaluable resource for economic independence. We continue to support and adhere to the Congolese-developed program because IT WORKS. By playing a secondary role in economic development, we ensure that
the Congolese narrative is retained and that our mission of respecting cultural difference is upheld.
Our
goals are not only to empower women in Bukavu, but to educate citizens of the United States about the ongoing conflict in the DRC. Our central way to both advocate and fundraise for the Hand in Hand program is through the Henna for Hope initiatiave. Through
partnerships with schools, communities and faith groups, we have hosted Henna for Hope, which focuses on combinining art and advocacy to improve the economic situation for families in the DRC. While participants receive Henna designs for a small fee, they
learn about how the ongoing conflict in the Congo affects the civilian population, particularly women. This initiative has spread to communities in Oregon, California and Washington.Thanks to the Hand in Hand program's success, women who were marginialized
in their societies are able to start anew and communities here have learned and become part of the solution to the Congo crisis.
