Our Hearts Are Full of Gratitude

We celebrate the impact our donors have made by announcing the first class of twenty graduates from New Hope Academy!!!

Graduates of New Hope Academy proudly celebrate their achievements as they receive certificates during their October 2025 convocation.

At the November 5, 2025 graduation from NHA, the residential vocational training school in the South Kivu region of DRC, ten young women in tailoring and ten young men in catering celebrated their newly gained technical and entrepreneurial skills which they will carry throughout their lives.

Upon graduation they received starter kits - either sewing machines or catering supplies - to jumpstart their new small businesses. Teams of five graduates each will establish two sewing shops and two community mini restaurants. New Hope Reconciliation Center (NHRC) will provide technical and mentoring support.

Congolese youth from multiple tribes learning vocational skills in a room at New Hope Reconciliation Center.

Esther, a tailoring graduate, shared her renewed sense of hope. “I learned how to make modern clothes and manage a workshop. Today, I feel capable of helping my family reduce poverty.” With four other women, Esther plans to open a sewing shop to produce school uniforms and women’s clothing. She also dreams of training other young women needing assistance.

Ngongo worked odd jobs before taking the catering course. He says, “This training opened my eyes. I learned to prepare diverse meals, maintain hygiene, and manage a restaurant service.” Along with four teammates he plans to open a local catering service offering healthy, affordable meals. He dreams of sharing this knowledge with other youth seeking similar opportunities.

These twenty graduates come from four different ethnic communities of South Kivu, a powerful statement of peaceful coexistence and unity in diversity. Their collaboration demonstrates the new generation’s determination to overcome ethnic divisions and build a shared future founded on mutual respect, Christian unity, and social harmony.

Video of graduates celebrating by throwing their caps in the air.

Supporters of Congo Peace enabled these students to train, finish their programs, and utilize their skills to launch small businesses in their communities. These programs fight poverty, build self-confidence, and strengthen families.

Ongoing contributions from donors continue to sustain these programs to empower youth with valuable skills for economic self-sufficiency. Congo Peace sincerely thanks all of our supporters for their dedication.

With grateful hearts,

Congo Peace Board of Directors and Friends of Congo Team