Five Talents launches new program in DR Congo

Outside one of the churches in Aru where Five Talents programs are now operating.

Outside one of the churches in Aru where Five Talents programs are now operating.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARU, DR CONGO: Five Talents is pleased to announce the start of a new program in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The announcement comes after years of groundwork and involves a partnership with World Concern and the Diocese of Aru of the Anglican Church of Congo.

The Diocese of Aru

The Diocese of Aru is located at the northeast corner of DR Congo and covers an area the size of Georgia with 35 parishes, 56 primary schools and 8 health centers. 

While the region is economically poor, it has great potential to thrive. The majority of the population engages in subsistence farming and small animal husbandry.

In partnering with the Diocese of Aru, Five Talents continues its mission to go where others don’t and to serve some of the world’s most marginalized communities.

Community and Economic Development

Through its involvement in DR Congo, Five Talents aims to help local communities identify, develop, and multiply their own local resources while creating new businesses and opportunities.

The DR Congo program has several key stages:

  • Mobilization of church and community leaders
  • Training and mentoring of staff and community workers
  • Training in literacy and numeracy
  • Business skills training
  • Formation of community savings groups
  • Active saving, borrowing, and business development
Five Talents Program Director Suzanne Middleton (left) is alongside World Concern's Program Leader in Aru, Irene Nyambura (right)

Five Talents Program Director Suzanne Middleton (left) is alongside World Concern's Program Leader in Aru, Irene Nyambura (right)

Training will take place at the village level and will be offered in local languages. In addition to the literacy and business skills, trainers and facilitators will share a curriculum for gender-based violence and trauma counseling.

In March, Five Talents met with members of a steering committee and representatives from the Diocese of Aru as well as key community leaders and stakeholders.

 “We had a very productive discussion on partnership and have worked with the local community to establish three year goals and plans”, says Suzanne Middleton, Five Talents Program Director.

Training of staff and community workers is currently ongoing and plans are in place for literacy and numeracy training to begin across Aru during 2018. This training will reach 60 communities throughout the region.

Watch a short video and learn more about DR Congo and how you can get involved.