We lend a hand without creating dependence.
We partner with Congolese professionals leading initiatives that are locally conceived and owned. We help them build their capacity until they no longer need us.
21 May, 2026.
The sixth cohort of Twa Weza Shinda were getting to know each other, meeting in therapy groups last week. Some learned to make pastry to sell in their neighborhoods. Others were finishing up the training and prepared to take the juried exam in Tailoring this summer. Masons, painters, carpenters, drivers may be starting classes soon….
On May 15, Ebola was announced in North Kivu and in the neighboring province of Ituri. The first case in Bukavu was confirmed May 20. Panic, rumors, and misinformation run rampant. The virus variants being tested there now have no vaccine. The best protection is to know how the virus spreads, and practice good hygiene. That’s difficult when water is scarce and expensive, so handwashing stations are being set up and water is being purchased to make it possible. AGIR is embarking on a vigorous campaign of awareness. “I’ll do what I can” is the motto.
Training at the center has modified schedules to reduce the class size and risk. Morning and evening classes. Fever monitoring and handwashing stations at the entrance to the site and by the latrines.
AGIR teaches prevention measures and explains how the virus spreads.
UFEDOC and AGIR are working with domestic workers and their employers to assure safety for the families. AGIR works with health officials, government leaders, local leaders, and faith communities to make sure the messages give correct information. Indifference and ignorance kill.
AGIR is looking to the future while working with the present. Your help makes this possible. They need it! Thank you!!
At Twa Weza Shinda Center
What is Twa Weza Shinda?
In May of 2021, Mt. Nyiragongo erupted and quickly displaced more than 50,000 people near Goma, Dr Congo. Our partners, AGIR-RDC, provided local emergency response and were operating on the ground immediately. They created a program and called it Twa Weza Shinda.
Twa Weza Shinda means, “We can succeed again.” It is an integrated approach to treat people’s trauma, provide education and community support, and help people learn skills they need to start again.
In November 2021, armed conflict broke out and the violence persists to this day. The people suffer crushing insecurity and waves of displacement. In June 2023, the UNHCR reported that 6.2 million people were internally displaced by conflict in DR Congo.
Twa Weza Shinda is now in its fifth year of operation — and growing.
Please click CC for English subtitles.
What makes us different…
Rather than choosing a solution to impose from outside, we identify local leaders who know how to make a difference because they understand their communities — and we help them build their network, capacity, and credibility. We work with programs that are locally conceived, directed, and owned. No one is empowered when an outsider controls their basic needs.
They lead. They own. They change the future of DR Congo.
Our Partners and Programs
Let us tell you about the people we choose as our partners and the work that they do.
Will you join us?
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