Due to the increasingly complex political landscape, massive human displacement, and escalating border conflicts with neighbouring Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains deeply unstable. Despite these challenges, Five Talents partners continue to support literacy and savings groups across the Aru region, which is both inspiring and encouraging.
Communities learn, earn, save, and invest in a better future, overcoming the difficulties around them. We spoke to Irene Nyambura, one of Five Talents’ programme advisors in the DRC, who shared her experience living and working in the area.
“The Adult Literacy Savings Loans and Business Programme unites people with a shared goal of financial empowerment. Savings Groups create a platform for individuals to set aside differences, fostering trust, cooperation, and healthy relationships. This unity is essential in conflict-affected areas, where communities grapple with the absence of government control and the presence of militias.
Since 2018, we have maintained operational Savings Groups in Aru that continue to bring people together and promote financial stability. These groups play a crucial role in building strong relationships that withstand conflicts. Even in militia-controlled areas facing constant insecurity, communities still support one another. In these places, Savings Groups operate discreetly to protect members and their savings. Members carefully manage their savings, borrowing and dividing funds to ensure safety and confidentiality.
Facilitators, recruited from within the communities, support members by enabling the savings process and resolving conflicts within the groups. These leaders undergo rigorous training and supervision to coach the groups effectively and provide technical assistance when needed. This ensures the safety and success of Savings Groups.
Training programs for team leaders focus on developing leadership, administration, and trauma-healing skills, equipping them to support their communities effectively.
Churches play a vital role by providing a space for members to gather. Adult literacy classes empower members, with church leaders serving as literacy teachers and grassroots community leaders who strengthen spiritual formation. This helps resolve conflicts at both the individual and group levels.
During displacement and conflict, communities open their doors to host displaced members. Civil society organizations and community-based radios provide platforms for advocacy and justice, ensuring vulnerable voices are heard and their rights protected. Women, in particular, play a critical role in the program, ensuring funds are set aside for emergencies. In times of conflict, when farming halts and markets are inaccessible, savings become a lifeline for families.”
Similarly, Grace Maneka, Programme Leader in Aru, delivers weekly broadcasts on the local church radio station, sharing health information with remote communities when she cannot visit in person. “Literacy rates are low in Aru, but many people can listen to the radio, making it an effective way to ensure messages are heard.”
Programme partners observe that conflict disproportionately impacts the most disadvantaged. Opportunity and hope often feel out of reach, yet community-led Literacy and Savings Groups empower women to become agents of positive change and peacebuilding. Despite the challenges of conflict and insecurity, these women bring hope and possibility to their families and communities.
You can read more from impacted Congolese communities in New Humanitarian.
To find out more about Five Talents work in DRC and how you can get involved, read more.
