Tupende invests in
People
Strengths
Love
Community
Tomorrow
Inclusivity
OUR WORK
OUR WORK
We invest based on demonstrated initiative and social mutuality, not just on “need.”
Eastern Congo is a land of immense riches, however most of the people do not benefit from this wealth.
We asked people in the region, “What do you need the most?”
Then we listened.
“We need income to provide for ourselves, to buy land, and send our kids to school.”
Over and over again we hear people say that “income” and “work” are needed most.
Both men and women express their need for income to provide for themselves and their families, to pay for school fees and to pay for healthcare (Tupende Talks Bukavu, 2024).
Specifically, work in sewing and agriculture i.e. farming, fishing, and raising livestock are requested, so we invest in Idjwi CO-OPs.
Recognition of land rights is also an issue, especially for indigenous communities. That’s why we invest in the Obudaka Initiative (Tupende Talks Idjwi, 2025).
Child education, and adult learning is another priority for the
community, so we invest in the Kuyiga Initiative.
Idjwi Cooperatives (CO-OPs)
Our Idjwi CO-OP community is committed to enhancing the livelihoods of locals through sustainable practices in farming, fishing, and sewing. This initiative aims to empower both individuals and families while fostering economic growth, improving food security, and promoting health across the island. Local CO-OPs are critical to building a resilient economy on the island and combating hunger, poverty, and disease.
Kuyiga /to learn/ Initiative
The Kuyiga /koo-ee-gah/ Initiative leverages technology to enhance education and problem solving skills in the Kivus. Kuyija is a Kihavu word that means “to learn.” This initiative focuses on utilizing both online and offline computer-based learning tools, ensuring everyone has access to vital resources, irrespective of their age or internet connectivity.
Obudaka /land/ Initiative
The Obudaka /O-bu-da-ka/ Initiative is a groundbreaking collaboration between Tupende and the indigenous people of the Island of Idjwi, known as the PA /Pay-a/. Obudaka means “land” in Kihavu. The Obudaka Initiative is a land initiative that aims to legally register PA land rights. The Initiative also aims to restore the natural ecological balance of the Kivus through rewilding efforts that revitalize the PA’s traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
