Succeeding Together used an integrated approach — these women did not only need vocational skills, but they needed support in changing the circumstances that got them to where they were at that moment. Many women were single mothers because of rape or abandonment. Many were estranged from their families and cast to the periphery of society.

Modestine Etoy (current Executive Director of AGIR-RDC and then Program Manager for Succeeding Together) saw that these women needed community support and to feel valued. Some of the facets of the program included:

Comprehensive Education — In addition to receiving a state-certified vocational degree, students learned basic hygiene, reproductive health, and how to avoid catching and spreading common diseases. They learn their rights under the 2006 Congolese constitution, money management, communication, and leadership skills.

Human Development Clubs — All students were assigned to a Human Development Club with other students in their cohort. This gave them a support group that was directed by program counselors.

Mediation and Counseling — A woman was paired with a counselor who determined her overall health and monitors her stability. A counselor might refer her for medical care, legal assistance, or help with family mediation.

Opportunities to become a Peer Educator — Succeeding Together created a number of groups that gave students the opportunity to “pay it forward” by participating in field activities that taught people about topics like how to avoid spreading preventable disease and caring for the environment.

Succeeding Together grew into a state accredited and internationally recognized vocational school that still operates today.