Decades of conflict in DRC has killed millions. As the country focused on conflict, building basic services was neglected. Education, water, agriculture, and health sectors particularly suffered. Currently, 7 out of 10 women in Aru are illiterate and innumerate. Rape has been a weapon of war and gender based violence (GBV) is common. Without business skills, a place to save and borrow small loans, families have no way to grow the businesses they rely on, empower women and rebuild their lives.

We will provide basic training in literacy and business skills. We’ve seen our work succeed in other unstable contexts, such as post-conflict Karamoja in Uganda. Five Talents will help families identify, develop and increase their local resources. We will train gender based violence champions to combat violence against women. We know a literate and numerate woman is empowered to become a leader in her community and a woman who earns an income is empowered to be a decision-maker in her home.