"We must have complete and holistic ministry.": New Project In the DRC
By learning a trade such as masonry, sewing, or carpentry, students will be able to open their own shops, earn income for their families, and contribute to the economy.
“What will the church do? We must have complete and holistic ministry. The church is the life and soul of the world. . . we have an opportunity to reach out to serve people and show them there is hope in their lives.”
- Fidele Mushamuka Hamisi, Development Coordinator, Diocese of Bukavu
The Anglican Diocese of Bukavu - Democratic Republic of Congo
Despite being in a resource-rich country, the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo have endured much political and economic instability - with over half of the population living on less than $1 per day. The Anglican Church is working in many areas to holistically minister to the people, displaying the love of Christ through tangible actions which enrich the entire community. In the southeastern region of Kivu, the church has focused on education, building a robust infrastructure that includes primary schools, highschools, and even a university school.
The diocese seeks to build upon this strong foundation by constructing a vocational training school where students will learn skills in income-generating trades. Young adults in the rural region of South Kivu will be able to learn the marketable trades of masonry, sewing, and carpentry. As they work through the program, these students will be apprenticed by current business owners to gain the experience they need to find employment when they graduate. While attending the vocational training center, students will also engage in discipleship, trauma-healing and peace-building, essential to the spiritual growth and long-term peace in their communities.
“Some of these students have been in the militia. Now that there is no more fighting [in the southern region], it is the role of the church to shape and train them. We provide skills and hope and opportunity for these kids after their experiences”
– Bishop Sylvestre Bahati Bali-Busane, Diocese of Bukavu
This project will give hope to these students, equipping them with livelihoods and personal development which will uplift their community and society into the future.
Timothy is a former child solider who is now a carpenter. In 2016, ARDF helped to initiate a self-sustaining vocational training center in North Kivu. You can learn more about this previous project by watching this video!
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