Make College an Option for 70 Congo (DRC) Students

Summary

Courses in environmental management, sustainable agriculture, and community development equip students to build the region’s economy and expand the use of low-impact development techniques.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Djolu Technical College, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the only institute of higher education within 30,000 square miles. Located in a nationally and globally important region of rainforest reserves, the college offers 70 bright, motivated young people in this impoverished region their sole chance of obtaining a college degree. It also offers hope for protecting the region’s dense forests and endangered species like bonobos from agricultural expansion, logging and bushmeat hunting.

How will this project solve this problem?

Students earn a three-year undergraduate degree either in Environment & Sustainable Development or Rural Sciences by completing 12 classes each year in technical and management skills, a 275-hour internship, and a thesis.

Potential Long Term Impact

A college-educated workforce is essential for sustainable development in the DRC, preparing the next generation of scientists, business people, conservationists and leaders, and enhancing opportunities for women.

Project Message

Our students are thirsty not only for technical knowledge and management skills, but for the chance to rebuild hope for the future of their villages, and protect the biodiversity of their rainforest.
- Albert Lokasola, Co-founder, Djolu Technical College

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources