Eastern Congo Initiative

It's time to change how we do aid. For over 40 years, traditional forms of aid have failed to produce long-term change in Congo, that's why ECI does things differently. By working directly with and for Congolese innovators and entrepreneurs, we are building sustainable change to eastern DRC. ECI is revolutionizing the way aid can be done. But how do we compare to traditional aid? Take a look at part 3 of our partner survey or our full results using the link below! https://ow.ly/fSh550SA15j

Congo is a place of boundless potential, but no one should have to rely on rotating cycles of temporary aid. ECI does things differently. By investing in local businesses and entrepreneurs, we support Congolese communities as they build a brighter and more resilient future. But how does the ECI approach compare to traditional aid? We asked our partners. Check out part 2 of our survey results or our full report using the link below! https://ow.ly/aqeX50SA0QO

Traditional aid is well-intentioned, but can create ongoing cycles of aid without creating long-term sustainability. Although there is a place for traditional forms of aid, we must consider how we empower communities for long-term, community driven, solutions. ECI does aid differently. But how do we compare? Building on data from Ground Truth Solutions, we conducted a month long survey with our partners. Check out the link below or stay tuned over the next few weeks to find out! https://ow.ly/FF5j50SzZZs

When ECI started, direct partnerships with community based organizations was rare. Today, it's the proven approach to make the greatest, most lasting change. Sometimes referred to as "localization", it acknowledges that the best solutions come from the communities that face them. Engrained in our process is evaluation with our partners, learning how we can be better at supporting their goals. Workshops like this one teach us how to improve and provide skill sharing among our past and current partners. Sign up for our newsletter, coming out tomorrow, to see how our approach with partners stacks up against others! Sign up can be found in the footer of our site, easterncongo.org #Localization #CommunityPartnerships #SupportLocal #EmpowerCommunities #PartnershipMatters #LocalSolutions #glocalization #drc #rdc

Through a photography exhibit originally showcased in Goma, DRC, a group of young photographers from Lens on Life Project interned with ECI to show Congo through their lens––that of entrepreneurship and innovation. Hosted in conjunction with The Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance, the exhibit welcomed guests for a one day exhibition on capitol hill. Conversations centered on development, transitioning emergency aid into lasting resources, and Congolese partnership. Visit the link below to see more about the exhibit. Businesses and Organizations featured included: Bing ecologie , Tomorrow SARL, TAK, Dynamique des Femmes Juristes, FREK, NTC, Maman Katana, Asili, and more! https://lnkd.in/gkGZfeEp #PhotographyExhibit #GomaDRC #CaucusForEffectiveForeignAssistance #Development #Partnership

"The people want their dignity back. They want to say they are contributing to their own development. And we should not take that away from them under the guise of perpetual aid." - Executive Director Abraham Leno in his conversation with Ray Suarez's On Shifting Ground. Listen here: https://ow.ly/Rl3z50SoC8T Photo, by Pacome Bagula, shows Leno going over a community feedback board with medical staff. Commonwealth Club World Affairs #CommunityDevelopment #Empowerment #SustainableDevelopment #GlobalHealth #LocalEmpowerment #DevelopmentAid #DRC #RDC

"In regions like eastern Congo that face repeated fragility, it’s crucial that we evaluate the durability of solutions brought through this revolving door of aid. ...focus must be on collaborating with communities and supporting locally-developed, tailored solutions. In short, work must be made of, and made for, the same community." 📖 Read the entire article below (6 min) #drc #aid #localization #rdc

Today, DRC celebrates Labor Day and all of the people working toward a brighter future in Congo! Here at ECI, we are saluting the efforts made by our teams in the field: our fountain workers, plumbers, doctors, and nurses. We especially want to highlight those currently working in Minova, where they face a large influx of displaced people with resourcefulness and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. 🗓🩺🚰 Thank you. Learn more about the situation in Minova here (6 min read): https://ow.ly/nwKh50Ru0xl #laborday #workers #drc

Congratulations to Victorycompany who recently won an award for their work protecting artisanal miners! Their technology increases work safety and promotes proactive approaches to miner protection. A former partner of ECI and The Hub in Goma, they are ready to continue their growth!

We ended our week with a visit to Bukavu, DRC to see the work that Asili and the Eastern Congo Initiative are doing to provide sustainable healthcare and safe water services. As I told Abraham Leno, I was truly inspired by their centering of the trust and dignity of their clients. I’m excited to work with them, the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering & Resilience and the Virridy team to leverage climate financing to expand their services to 300,000 people… and more! Thank you to Abraham, Aude Wilkins and the ECI team - including Divine MUJIJIMA ZIHINDULA and Ibrahima Bokoum - for facilitating our visit. We will be back!