A Path to Succeed Again
AGIR’s work begins with a listening session. The counselors meet privately with new people in a safe space and listen to their story for as long as needed. The listening session includes an intake interview to assess the individual’s condition and make recommendations for medical referrals and trauma care. The counselors then assignns individuals to support groups made of people with similar needs and experiences andled by a locally based psychosocial assistant. Eligibility to participate in these support groups is determined by the degree of vulnerability and the desire for change of the individual.
Support groups spend three months learning life skills in a curriculum led by psychosocial assistants and community activists. They use games, music, spoken word and drama to engage topics which include health and hygiene, managing money, addressing and resolving conflict, caring for others, learning to trust. Current topics and conversations around AGIR's regular seminars such as those on reproductive health and consent are also part of the discussions. During the initial three months, members of each group contributed weekly to a solidarity fund. The group is responsible for deciding how these funds are distributed. This helps build trust and skills in participatory decision making and critical thinking.
After three months of life skills, they are eligible for a vocational training progam and the solidarity fund can transition to a Village Savings and Loan Association. (VSLA)
Over the past two years 184 individuals have completed vocational training and belong to VLSAs in Goma and Beni. Some borrowers are in their third cycle of loans. This type of community saving and lending is necessary because microcredit is not available to internally displaced people in Congo.
These loans are essential. A woman with a culinary business can buy more manioc flour, or charcoal, or vegetables because they have more capital – and they can earn more money than they could without access to this fund. Or the loans might purchase a sewing machine for a woman who is starting a tailoring business. Masons and hairdressers need simple equipment to operate.
The goal is to cultivate ways for Congolese to care for themselves and their families without depending on outside help. Growing small economies where people can thrive is key to starting over.