South Kivu Community Development Project (SKCDP) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Decision for the Future

Despite the ongoing conflict that has continued since the beginning of 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains in a difficult situation. Even in these challenging times, the support project led by Free The Children Japan continues to nurture seeds of hope. Our local partner, Mr. Michel Chikwanine, has sent us a heartfelt report that shows how your support is truly shaping a brighter future.

In July, we provided agricultural training to 20 women from PRWOP (Park Rangers Widows and Orphans Project: An organization formed by women whose husbands, working in a national park that serves as a gorilla sanctuary, were killed due to poacher attacks or other incidents.), an organization we collaborate with locally.

A few months later, the women shared with us their joy of harvesting, their sense of accomplishment, and their renewed hope for the future—along with radiant photos full of smiles.

Your support has become a real source of strength for them, helping sustain their daily lives.

The women also made a remarkable and forward‑looking decision. Instead of dividing the funds from supporters in Japan among themselves for immediate relief, they chose to pool all the resources together and purchase a vast four‑hectare plot of communal farmland. This choice reflects their resilience and the strong bonds within their community.

Their first crop was tomatoes—nutritious but requiring careful attention. The plants grew beautifully, and on the day of the first harvest, the sight of the field filled with bright red tomatoes brought immense excitement and pride. Their next crop, cabbage, also flourished. As they harvested the large, healthy heads, the women felt deep joy in seeing life‑sustaining food grow from land that had once been barren.

These efforts show that, even amid the hardships of conflict, the women chose not just short‑term relief but the power to build a sustainable future. And it is your warm support that has helped them take these steps forward.

When security improves, the community will already have a strong foundation and be fully prepared to resume and expand their activities. Your generosity is taking root in the Congolese soil, growing into real hope for the future.

Michel Chikwanine

To All Our Donors and Supporters

To all the companies, individual supporters, and schools who have contributed to this cause, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support. Your kindness is bringing smiles and hope to people in the local communities. We sincerely thank you for your warm encouragement.

This project marks the first step in empowering local residents to build their own future through agriculture. Moving forward, we at Free The Children Japan will continue to listen closely to the voices of the community and provide sustainable support.