Rosalie stands arms by her sides in the middle of a dirt road looking directly ahead at the Democratic Republic of Congo. Credit: Arlette Bashizi/CAFOD
The Power of Choice
Rosalie had only one option, to survive. With the help of skills training, she was able to harness her power to choose her own future.
She survived, but you can help her thrive.
How your support helps to enable choice:
Far too often, women are exposed to threats outside of their control that perpetuate the cycle of poverty. Our locally led programs seek to support women to find agency and control over their lives through critical skills training.
With your generous help, skills training includes:
Finance management skills
Understand conflict management skills
Entrepreneurship
Accounting skills
Training in sustainable agricultural practices
Optimise health and wellness
Skills training means the power to:
Rosalie's children are doing homework at home in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Credit: Arlette Bashizi/CAFOD
Break the cycle of poverty
Rosalie's education was taken from her when she couldn't afford school.
With the help of the Saving and Internal Lending Community Group (SILC), she learned invaluable skills like finance management, accounting and entrepreneurship.
Rosalie now has her own small business and the financial freedom to break the cycle of poverty and send her kids to school.
Rosalie is seated, holding a tub of the ice blocks that she sells in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Credit: Arlette Bashizi/CAFOD
Secure employment and income
Rosalie was a child soldier with limited access to education or employment opportunities.
With the help of people like you, she could participate in business and social skills training learning financial literacy and peacebuilding.
Today, Rosalie is a successful entrepreneur selling second-hand shoes, natural remedies, juice and iceblocks.
Rosalie is seated with other people in the community as they participate in skills training in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Credit: Arlette Bashizi/CAFOD
Create a collaborative community
Rosalie had to be a survivor enduring the adversities of being a child soldier. Upon return, she suffered prejudice in her community.
Support from the Protection & Re-Integration of Ex-Combatants program helped Rosalie to find a sense of peace through learning conflict prevention and resolution skills.
She is now a leader and role model in her community.
“I can eat, dress, maintain my health and help others. My children study and manage to eat twice a day. Really, there is more joy in sharing with others.”
