Response combines humanitarian assistance, protection and support for recovery

(MissionNewswire) The “Kesho Bora (Rebuilding Hope): Opportunities and Dignity for the People of North Kivu” project is aiding families that have been displaced due to the conflicts in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo*. Hunger, insecurity and extreme vulnerability characterize daily life not only for thousands of displaced and returning families, but also for the host communities that are often without sufficient resources to meet their own basic needs.

The new initiative is funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and implemented in collaboration with local Salesians, the Salesian-run International Volunteering for Development (VIS), Friends of Children, the local organization Kimbilio and the Jesuit Refugee Service.

This collaboration enhances effectiveness, expands geographical coverage and ensures coordinated implementation on the ground. The project, which will run for 18 months, aims to sustainably improve living conditions and promote the socio-economic reintegration of internally displaced persons and host communities in the city of Goma and in the territories of Nyiragongo and Masisi. It provides an integrated response combining humanitarian assistance, protection and support for recovery.

The project is supporting vulnerable families by providing essential goods and starter kits for income-generating activities. This will enable people who are displaced to meet their basic needs and work toward greater stability. Vocational training programs in tailoring, hairdressing, cooking, and baking equip youth and adults with practical skills, helping them to generate income and strengthen their self-reliance.

A Salesian noted, “Given that youth are particularly affected by the crisis, the project is organizing educational, recreational, and psychosocial activities in residential and community centers in Goma, Nyiragongo, and Masisi. These safe spaces offer opportunities for learning, play, and emotional recovery, while fostering a renewed sense of security and belonging.”

The project places emphasis on the protection of women and girls, who are often exposed to violence. Through confidential counseling, the distribution of hygiene kits and awareness-raising campaigns, it helps to prevent gender-based violence and support survivors. At the same time, community initiatives promote positive male role models who respect gender equality, encouraging lasting social change.

The project is also promoting community dialogue by creating spaces where people can meet, exchange ideas and resolve disputes peacefully. This approach helps to rebuild trust between communities, an essential foundation for long-term stability and collective resilience.

The Salesian concluded, “By supporting displaced families, returnees and host communities, ‘Kesho Bora’ goes beyond simply responding to immediate needs. It offers dignity, security and opportunity to the most vulnerable populations in North Kivu. In a place where new challenges arise every day, the project demonstrates how well-coordinated humanitarian action can transform lives and strengthen a community’s capacity to rebuild.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years, ensuring that the most vulnerable children are not forgotten. Salesian primary and secondary schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning, while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs offer many youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) via VIS

ANS – Democratic Republic of the Congo – The “Kesho Bora” project restores hope to families affected by the conflict

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in these countries were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.