We lend a hand without creating dependence.
We partner with Congolese professionals leading initiatives that are locally conceived and owned. We help them build their capacity until they no longer need us.
19 May, 2026.
The sixth cohort of Twa Weza Shinda were getting to know each other, meeting in therapy groups last week. Some learned to make pastry to sell in their neighborhoods. Others were finishing up the training and prepared to take the juried exam in Tailoring this summer. Masons, painters, carpenters, drivers may be starting classes soon….
On May 15, Ebola was announced in North Kivu and in the neighboring province of Ituri. The Bundibugyo virus, one of four strains of Ebola, has no vaccine.
Training at the center is on pause while staff determine the best ways to protect people. They reteach prevention measures and explain how the virus spreads. AGIR is working with health officials, government leaders, local leaders, and faith communities on an awareness campaign in Goma. Handwashing stations are being installed in many locations. Indifference and ignorance kill.
The situation remains unsettled for people who have family in different parts of North Kivu under different regimes. The front lines between various militias fighting each other and the central government continue to change, which causes more displacement. And that reduces the food available. Moms weren’t coming to classes because their children (and they) were hungry. The Twa Weza Shinda center began to offer breakfast porridge for children, for some it’s the only meal of the day. Your help remains critical to their ability to learn skills that help them earn money for food. That’s the goal!
The University of Goma asked AGIR to take their best students in 4 disciplines as interns: (Medicine, Social Services, Development and Agronomy). UniGom recognizes the value of AGIR’s work and mentoring. AGIR’s looking to the future while working with the present.
At Twa Weza Shinda Center
What is Twa Weza Shinda?
In May of 2021, Mt. Nyiragongo erupted and quickly displaced more than 50,000 people near Goma, Dr Congo. Our partners, AGIR-RDC, provided local emergency response and were operating on the ground immediately. They created a program and called it Twa Weza Shinda.
Twa Weza Shinda means, “We can succeed again.” It is an integrated approach to treat people’s trauma, provide education and community support, and help people learn skills they need to start again.
In November 2021, armed conflict broke out and the violence persists to this day. The people suffer crushing insecurity and waves of displacement. In June 2023, the UNHCR reported that 6.2 million people were internally displaced by conflict in DR Congo.
Twa Weza Shinda is now in its fifth year of operation — and growing.
Please click CC for English subtitles.
What makes us different…
Rather than choosing a solution to impose from outside, we identify local leaders who know how to make a difference because they understand their communities — and we help them build their network, capacity, and credibility. We work with programs that are locally conceived, directed, and owned. No one is empowered when an outsider controls their basic needs.
They lead. They own. They change the future of DR Congo.
Our Partners and Programs…
Let us tell you about the people we choose as our partners and the work that they do.
Will you join us?
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