In December, Business for Better Society (BBS) was awarded a prestigious GlobalGiving Hope in Crisis grant to address the emerging humanitarian aid crisis in the DR Congo. This grant has enabled BBS, and our implementation partner Remember Youth for Change (RYC), to provide essential aid and implement long-term programs to support communities affected by intense natural and human-made disasters. In this Field Note, we provide an update on the progress made through the Hope in Crisis Fund, highlighting the impactful work carried out on the ground.
Addressing Immediate Needs:
Since receiving the grant, BBS and Remember Youth for Change have successfully delivered emergency aid to 574 families residing in refugee camps outside Goma. This critical aid package included vital food staples like oil, flour, rice, beans, and tarpaulins, ensuring these vulnerable families have access to basic necessities during their challenging circumstances.
Supporting Women and Girls:
During the aid distribution process, Remember Youth for Change identified an urgent need for hygienic menstruation supplies among women and girls. In response, the RYC sewing program was mobilized, and over the next two months, 4,000 reusable menstruation pads were created. These pads, made from donated and purchased materials, featured an internal high-absorption product and a soft outer layer that can be washed and reused for approximately six months. To promote proper usage and hygiene, a comprehensive awareness event was organized, benefiting 1,000 women and girls who received educational sessions on product care and overall hygiene. Each participant was also provided with a kit containing four pads and cleaning detergent.
Empowering Former Child Soldiers and Rebuilding Communities:
Approximately 40% of the grant was allocated to long-term program initiatives, focusing on vocational skills training for former child soldiers and community rebuilding efforts. As part of these initiatives, BBS expanded the sewing program to accommodate more individuals and introduced an agriculture program.
The agriculture program brought together women and youth to learn sustainable farming techniques. The participants then collaborated to establish a community vegetable garden, with the first crop being potatoes. Potatoes were chosen due to their ability to yield high quantities and the suitability of the soil composition and weather conditions. The garden is expected to provide four crops throughout the year, addressing the growing number of people in the refugee camps who require sustenance. The harvested produce is divided between the program participants and individuals in the camps, ensuring wider access to nutritious food.
Comprehensive Support for Youth:
In addition to the aforementioned programs, the grant also facilitated the provision of sports equipment and musical instruments for youth-focused activities. These resources aim to encourage recreation and creative expression, offering a respite from the ongoing civil war. Furthermore, additional counseling hours have been made available to support the mental and emotional well-being of youth affected by the conflict.
A Pledge to Advocate for Change:
Business for Better Society is profoundly honoured to have been selected as one of the four recipients of the GlobalGiving Hope in Crisis grant for 2023 in the DR Congo. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, BBS remains committed to shedding light on the challenges faced by communities in eastern DR Congo.
