Posted on Oct 10, 2014
With challenges to accessing maternal care, conflict, and a high fertility rate, the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most difficult places in the world to be a mother. The most recent data from the World Bank estimates a maternal mortality rate of 730 deaths per 100,000 live births – the 6th highest […]
Posted on Jul 21, 2014
By Claudine Tsongo ‘Without justice, we will never move forward in Congo. Without accountability and the rule of law, the Congolese people – and above all, Congolese women – will never be able to realize their full potential.’ I’m a lawyer and I’ve seen first-hand how Congolese women, particularly those from rural areas, are disadvantaged and […]
Posted on Jun 30, 2014
By Chouchou Namegabe ‘Women’s rights are human rights. The fundamental liberties of women must be respected and defended, both in Congo and around the world. When those rights are violated, we all have a responsibility to be bold and to reject inequality.’ Women in the Democratic Republic of Congo face enormous challenges. Many are forced […]
Posted on Mar 12, 2014
By Felicien Maisha As a nurse at HEAL Africa hospital in Goma, I experienced the human consequences of war on a daily basis. Vulnerable populations, including women and children, have been disproportionately affected by the fighting in eastern Congo. I saw children as young as seven years old pass through the hospital, often suffering from […]
Posted on Feb 24, 2014
By Sekombi Katondolo Speaking to my friends living abroad over the Christmas period, many were surprised to hear that I spent December watching rap battles, acrobats and fire-eaters in Goma – a city most people tend to associate more with conflict and poverty. Around a month ago, we launched the Buzz Art Festival – a week-long […]
Posted on Jan 30, 2014
By Paul Fagan 2014 looks set to be another exciting year at Eastern Congo Initiative. Since assuming the role of Executive Director five months ago I’ve already witnessed much of the extraordinary work being undertaken by our partners in eastern Congo. We provide grants to Congolese community-based organizations working effectively to create new opportunities for […]
Posted on Dec 05, 2013
‘You can understand my joy and sense of fulfillment at our graduation ceremony…!'
Posted on Nov 28, 2013
By Baraka Kasali The Democratic Republic of Congo was once considered the breadbasket of central Africa, but due to war and insecurity the production of crops and farmer livelihoods have declined. Investment in creating income-generating opportunities is the fastest and most sustainable way to lift the Congolese people out of the cycle of poverty. Nearly […]
Posted on Aug 25, 2013
Today in Goma, Eastern Congo Initiative hosted the largest delegation of U.S. Senators ever to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The delegation was led by Senators Lindsey Graham, the ranking Republican on the Appropriations subcommittee for State and Foreign Operations, and included Senators Saxby Chambliss, Roy Blunt, John Thune, Mike Johanns and John Barrasso. While in Goma, Senator Graham also sat down with ECI grantee Mutaani FM for an exclusive interview on his impressions from the visit and his hopes for the region.
Posted on Aug 14, 2013
In the DRC, one of the biggest obstacles to delivering effective support to community-based organizations is the “information gap,” a lack of precise information about these organizations and their capacity to meet the most pressing needs of their communities. Last year, in response to the challenge, and with the support of USAID, ECI conducted a landscape analysis of community-based organizations across Maniema, Orientale, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The result is a report and online database of community-based organizations that gives policy leaders, investors and analysts insights into the work being done to create sustainable and successful change in Eastern Congo, straight from the Congolese people.