Living International Women’s Day every day in the Eastern Congo

Empowering women and girls has come in many forms during the 18 years of Congo Restoration. This year, it looks like empowering teachers to remain in their jobs by giving them the choice to use on-site childcare at our all girls’ primary school. You can read more about that and how you can help here.

This option keeps female teachers teaching, which is especially important at our all girls school. This gives our students the idea that women can work and children can be raised at the same time. We are very excited about this new offering and will keep you posted as it develops.

What’s up at our all girls school

Generally, things are going well at our school. Recently, though, shots have been heard in the distance and the girls have had to hide underneath their desks until the shots stop.

While there is no change to the illegal occupation of this region, most days our students remain unaffected. You can catch up on the news of the rebel occupation here.

Primary school students Ahadi and Safi are two of nine siblings. Their widowed mother lacks any kind of formal education and she struggles to provide for her family.

Most days, however, our students are learning English, practicing cursive, reading in their new library, planning for the annual talent show, and enjoying two meals a day.

What’s up at our sewing school

Our current class of 40 is getting very excited about graduating next month!

Here are three of them, showing off aprons they made to be sold at markets in the Dallas area. These women and their fellow students will graduate in late April and then start their own businesses. We are so excited for them!