Building young leaders – Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Charity:
The Congo Tree

The Congo Tree develops the skills of young people to form the next generation of leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Country

Democratic Republic of Congo

Start Year:

2026

Run Time:

2 Years

Participant Age:

16 and over

Which UN SDGs?

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“Thanks to this programme, I discovered the leader within me. I discovered that I can take the lead and bring about significant change in the community. I now know that I must be the change I want to see around me.”  

What is Co-Funding?

Co-funding with the ALMT allows individuals, other Trusts and Foundations, and Companies to contribute funds directly to individual, vetted and approved, project partnerships. With fifteen years of experience awarding grants and working in partnership with children’s organisations around the world, the ALMT is best placed to support you in your philanthropy.

Congolese youth are victims generational trauma, vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, recruitment to armed groups and other forms of violence. In the context of conflict, violence, poverty, and limited healthcare, education or employment opportunities, The Congo Tree supports these young people with skills, creativity and hope, and motivates them to work towards peace and sustainable development.

This two-year project aims to directly reach approximately 336 young people per year from the areas of Goma, Nyiragongo and Sake in North Kivu DRC. It will equip, inspire and support young leaders living in conflict zones to become solution-makers in their communities, while discovering and developing their skills, talents and leadership ability.

Young people will be invited to apply for the programmes through word-of-mouth, Alumni and partner networks. For young leader applications, the team approach community leaders including teachers, faith leaders and local elders for referrals of young people who have clear leadership potential but are facing particular challenges or barriers to their personal development which could leave them vulnerable or considered ‘at risk’. The chosen cohort will also represent at least three ethnic/tribal backgrounds and at least three faith groups.

The WYLD programme will develop transferable life and leadership skills in 30 young people, establishing them in 15 mentoring pairs and supporting them to design and lead on social action projects in their local community. The Mwanzo Entreprise programme will support 50 alumni in small business enterprises, providing intensive training and a coworking hub to establish their businesses. Mwanzo Artistigue will mentor 16 young people in peace-building through performance. Across these programmes, 120 young people will also receive psychological support from trained alumni at regular Support and Guidance clubs.

The Congo Tree’s engaged and growing alumni community is testament to their success and the mentoring model and the team has maximised their positive reputation and community links to create life-changing impact for these young people and their families.