By Annette Scarpitta | Program Founder and Project Leader
After 13 at-times long years working through various Congolese partner NGOs, my service to and accompaniment with Rwenena community members is ending. We are breathtakingly close to fully funding our project – only $194 remains to reach $15,000! However, donations must be made. . . pretty much, now. You can see real-time remaining funding needs and make a final donation before it all goes Poof! on Monday, Aug. 19. Expenditures of our final proceeds will be determined after evaluating what the community feels will have the most impact.
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/businesses-for-60-changemaker-women-in-dr-congo/
I am so proud of the accomplishments made by the residents with (and without!) the tools and training we provided. Among these are transforming a conflict community to an imperfectly peaceful coexistence between rival populations; women seizing opportunities for economic growth; and continuing literacy and numeracy training with motivated women who support one another in their journeys.
So, what’s next? Community members are not afraid to advocate for needed changes. They have more experience in doing this than ever before, thanks in large part to more influential, elected committees. In talking with local and territorial leaders, they leave a lasting impression, even if a request is not granted.
My partners at FOPAC SK have pledged to advocate for inclusion of Rwenena on current and/or upcoming, financed projects in the area. The team will raise awareness about the history of the community and resident receptivity to more opportunities for growth that will ultimately be community / locally led. I believe it is imperative for international and other entities to realize that teaching and learning are not one-sided. Community members possess innate knowledge, talent, and keen insight that entities would do well to learn from.
On behalf of myself, FOPAC SK, and, above all, the community members of Rwenena, we send you our heartfelt gratitude for your support.
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