Our Work

After deep conversation and planning with community members and leaders, strategic activities focused on rebuilding were chosen. All activities were co-created and lead within  communities.

• Healthcare:
  • Capacity Building and Supply Chain Support – ECI transported vaccines and essential medicines to clinics, targeting 400 children and pregnant women to combat diseases like polio and anemia, aiming to reintegrate families into healthcare.
  • Institutional Support –  Supported two clinics in Kalehe by covering staff salaries and administrative needs, ensuring quality care as the community received free healthcare post-disaster
  • Nutrition – Porridge distribution supplemented 800 women and children in health centers, and 1,971 students in schools for 3 months
• Education
  • Distribution of School Kits – Distributed 350 school kits and teaching materials to 9 schools, benefiting 3,650 students. Conducted public education sessions on water and health with teachers and students.
• Economic Recovery
  • Beekeeping Equipment and Training – Distributed 80 beehives to 80 individuals, including widows and disabled people, to boost honey production. Provided training on safe handling practices.
  • Village Loans and Savings Associations (VSLA) – Trained participants on micro-credit, distributed 900 chickens and funds to 60 VSLAs (80% female) to revitalize economic activities post-flood and provide food source
  • Compassion Fund – Supported families of 150 coffee farmer who lost their lives in the floods; this was done in partnership with Nespresso

In May 2023, floods devastated two communities in Kahele. Over 5,000 people remain missing, with over 8 feet of rock covering homes and businesses. Because of proximity and strong community relations, ECI and our social enterprise, Asili, immediately responded. Initially planning to only deliver water, extensive needs were shared upon arrival, shifting the plan. By the end of phase one:

• Bing Ecological Charcoal (2023 grant partner) had sent over 1,100 lbs of briquettes, providing cooking fuel, but also introducing the charcoal-producing region to a more environmental alternative.
• Tomorrow SARL, a graduate from The Hub at Un Jour Nouveau and participant in our partnership with USADF, provided 13,750 lbs of corn flou.
• Asili provided 20,000 liters of water
• Asili’s medical supplier outfitted the local red cross with gloves and masks
• ECI provided  500 tarps to build temporary shelters

Karambi stretches like a miniature capital vibrating to the rhythm of commercial exchanges and social gatherings. This is where institutions are concentrated, where the market comes alive twice a week, and where the dense population thrives in precarious harmony. Karambi is home to schools, churches, and even the second largest prison in South Kivu. It is here, at the heart of this bustling crossroads, that Asili settled its second Zone in 2015.

Further from Bukavu’s city center, Camp TV and Wesha sit within steep topography. This makes Zone 6 access difficult, especially during the rainy seasons, but with a growing population, Asili is a necessary service.

In zone 5, between Cimpunda and Ciriri, the close proximity of housing creates fertile ground for water-borne diseases, but it’s also where the community’s attention to safety and demand for water is highest.

Due to its urban density and continued development, this area is already is severe need of an expansion. Thanks to funding provided by a group of Caterpillar dealers as well as The Caterpillar Foundation, our largest reservoir yet at 500,000 liters, as well as new networks of water points will open this summer (2024).

In zone 5, between Cimpunda and Ciriri, the close proximity of housing creates fertile ground for water-borne diseases, but it’s also where the community’s attention to safety and demand for water is highest.

Due to its urban density and continued development, this area is already is severe need of an expansion. Thanks to funding provided by a group of Caterpillar dealers as well as The Caterpillar Foundation, our largest reservoir yet at 500,000 liters, as well as new networks of water points will open this summer (2024).

In zone 5, between Cimpunda and Ciriri, the close proximity of housing creates fertile ground for water-borne diseases, but it’s also where the community’s attention to safety and demand for water is highest.

Due to its urban density and continued development, this area is already is severe need of an expansion. Thanks to funding provided by a group of Caterpillar dealers as well as The Caterpillar Foundation, our largest reservoir yet at 500,000 liters, as well as new networks of water points will open this summer (2024).

COOPABU’s 250 members want to improve potato cultivation in South Kivu. By setting up a local system for producing healthy, vigorous, high-yielding potato seed, they aim to increase their overall supply from supporting 500 to 10,000 households. Further, they are committed to battling gender inequality, providing focused support to 92 women growers, who often start with smaller sections of land and have less access to quality supplies.

Honga has been supervising and supporting the fishermen and fishmongers of Lake Kivu since 2002 with over 20 years’ experience in fishing and fish farming activities. Their knowledge of environmental protection, particularly of the Lake Kivu ecosystem and its spawning grounds, is key part in their expansion strategy.

As a 2024 grant partner, Honga aims to strengthen production of quality fish, meeting the needs of South Kivu with a main focus on Bukavu. This will be done through alvin / fry fish cultivation within large greenhouses, lessening a current reliance on imports.  They also aim to better support both fishermen and fishmongers within their organizations, currently 390 people.

Mudaka is a quickly expanding rural community, centered around a thriving market that supplies the city of Bukavu. Asili is at the heart of the market’s hustle and bustle, bringing with it water to wash produce, prepare vendor’s food, and quench the thirst of the inhabitants. The clinic is just up the street, caring for the community’s health as well as providing space for community gatherings.  Connecting the areas are Asili’s clean energy and public lighting pilot.

Cirunga stretches over the mountains of South Kivu, buzzing with commercial activity and social interactions. This populated area is host to key institutions, a bi-weekly market, schools, churches, and the region’s second-largest prison. Amid this bustling environment, Asili has established itself, providing a bright health center to heal and enhance the local quality of life.

The Buhanga clinic was Asili’s first health service, providing quality care for a rural population. The community in Buhanga has been key in improving Asili, offering strong, encouraging feedback and ideas since 2014.

Minova is an agricultural town situated on the shores of Lake Kivu. Known for its high quality coffee, cooperatives work with Nespresso, the funder of this health center and connected water system. The town has faced significant challenges, including conflict and displacement, and is historically endemic to waterborne diseases like cholera. Despite these difficulties, Minova remains a resilient community with local organizations working to provide humanitarian aid and support development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents.

Mama Radio, a program by the Association des Femmes des Médias (AFEM) in Bukavu, empowers women through media. It addresses critical issues like gender equality, health, and economic empowerment, providing a platform for women to share their stories and advocate for their rights. By engaging the community and collaborating with local and international organizations, Mama Radio promotes social justice, educates listeners, and tackles challenges such as gender-based violence and discrimination, fostering a more equitable and informed society.

Panzi Hospital’s holistic patient care includes access to legal council and job skills training led by the Panzi Foundation. In our most recent collaboration, six rural legal clinics were established in South Kivu. In their first year, the clinics received 898 requests for assistance, including 105 cases of sexual violence and 793 of gender based violence. They also did public education sessions, including with local schools.

Panzi Foundation has been a partner since 2012. Read the article from Forbes below to learn more about our collective work with birth certificates.

DFJ (Dynamique des Femmes Juristes) has been a partner since 2010. Specializing in legal services for gender equality, DFJ seeks justice for survivors of rape and gender-based violence, obtains land rights, and secures birth certificates for recognition of citizenship. DFJ has been relentless in their pursuit of growth and innovation, most recently receiving funding for a computerized records system and tele-advisory service. In just the past year, they have piloted these new systems with 1,668 cases over 14 communities. In 2023 they also purchased an office building in Goma, providing the non-profit with income from on-site rental to outside agencies.

Led by Mama Annette, this knitting atelier is part of our partner Un Jour Nouveau’s Maendeleo project. The project uses social enterprise to improve self-sustainability, both for their non-profit and the Congolese marketplace. Their capacity building grant has increased production from a few sweaters per week to as many as 80. They’ve also invested in a computerized embroidery system so that school emblems can be added to each uniform sweater.

“Deforestation and carbon emissions are serious environmental challenges that we face today.  We are excited about making a difference in our community and contributing to a more sustainable future for our planet.” – Gullain, Bing Ecology Founder

Bing collects agricultural waste like corn husks as well as commercial compost from markets in Goma to transform into an alternative to charcoal. These briquettes burn cleaner, making the air in homes safer, last longer, and don’t require deforestation. Upgraded machinery through ECI’s funding has increased Bing’s production 2000%, to 1000 lbs per day. Upcoming electrical improvements, will boost capacity to 5,000 kg per day.

Started by a physician concerned with childhood nutrition, Chasumba is a low-cost, pre-mixed cereal already on the market.

As a 2023 partner, Chasumba was ready to expand, with funding supporting increased production and improved packaging. This strengthened the local food market and improve nutrition, especially for children.

Mudaka’s thriving markets supply the city of Bukavu, and Asili’s primary kiosk for Zone 3 is at the heart of the hustle and bustle. Bringing water to the city center and expanded the market to include washed produce and prepared foods. In 2023, Asili launched its newest business line, renewable energy, including public lighting that’s extending sales into a night market.

Mudaka’s thriving markets supply the city of Bukavu, and Asili’s primary kiosk for Zone 3 is at the heart of the hustle and bustle. Bringing water to the city center and expanded the market to include washed produce and prepared foods. In 2023, Asili launched its newest business line, renewable energy, including public lighting that’s extending sales into a night market.

Mudaka’s thriving markets supply the city of Bukavu, and Asili’s primary kiosk for Zone 3 is at the heart of the hustle and bustle. Bringing water to the city center and expanded the market to include washed produce and prepared foods. In 2023, Asili launched its newest business line, renewable energy, including public lighting that’s extending sales into a night market.

Mudaka’s thriving markets supply the city of Bukavu, and Asili’s primary kiosk for Zone 3 is at the heart of the hustle and bustle. Bringing water to the city center and expanded the market to include washed produce and prepared foods. In 2023, Asili launched its newest business line, renewable energy, including public lighting that’s extending sales into a night market.

Mudaka’s thriving markets supply the city of Bukavu, and Asili’s primary kiosk for Zone 3 is at the heart of the hustle and bustle. Bringing water to the city center and expanded the market to include washed produce and prepared foods. In 2023, Asili launched its newest business line, renewable energy, including public lighting that’s extending sales into a night market.

Mudaka’s thriving markets supply the city of Bukavu, and Asili’s primary kiosk for Zone 3 is at the heart of the hustle and bustle. Bringing water to the city center and expanded the market to include washed produce and prepared foods. In 2023, Asili launched its newest business line, renewable energy, including public lighting that’s extending sales into a night market.

Mudaka’s thriving markets supply the city of Bukavu, and Asili’s primary kiosk for Zone 3 is at the heart of the hustle and bustle. Bringing water to the city center and expanded the market to include washed produce and prepared foods. In 2023, Asili launched its newest business line, renewable energy, including public lighting that’s extending sales into a night market.

Mudaka’s thriving markets supply the city of Bukavu, and Asili’s primary kiosk for Zone 3 is at the heart of the hustle and bustle. Bringing water to the city center and expanded the market to include washed produce and prepared foods. In 2023, Asili launched its newest business line, renewable energy, including public lighting that’s extending sales into a night market.

Karambi stretches like a miniature capital vibrating to the rhythm of commercial exchanges and social gatherings. This is where institutions are concentrated, where the market comes alive twice a week, and where the dense population thrives in precarious harmony. Karambi is home to schools, churches, and even the second largest prison in South Kivu. It is here, at the heart of this bustling crossroads, that Asili settled its second Zone in 2015.

Karambi stretches like a miniature capital vibrating to the rhythm of commercial exchanges and social gatherings. This is where institutions are concentrated, where the market comes alive twice a week, and where the dense population thrives in precarious harmony. Karambi is home to schools, churches, and even the second largest prison in South Kivu. It is here, at the heart of this bustling crossroads, that Asili settled its second Zone in 2015.

Karambi stretches like a miniature capital vibrating to the rhythm of commercial exchanges and social gatherings. This is where institutions are concentrated, where the market comes alive twice a week, and where the dense population thrives in precarious harmony. Karambi is home to schools, churches, and even the second largest prison in South Kivu. It is here, at the heart of this bustling crossroads, that Asili settled its second Zone in 2015.

Karambi stretches like a miniature capital vibrating to the rhythm of commercial exchanges and social gatherings. This is where institutions are concentrated, where the market comes alive twice a week, and where the dense population thrives in precarious harmony. Karambi is home to schools, churches, and even the second largest prison in South Kivu. It is here, at the heart of this bustling crossroads, that Asili settled its second Zone in 2015.

Karambi stretches like a miniature capital vibrating to the rhythm of commercial exchanges and social gatherings. This is where institutions are concentrated, where the market comes alive twice a week, and where the dense population thrives in precarious harmony. Karambi is home to schools, churches, and even the second largest prison in South Kivu. It is here, at the heart of this bustling crossroads, that Asili settled its second Zone in 2015.

Camp TV and Wesha live within steep topography, making access difficult–especially during the rainy seasons. Asili, well aware of the challenges, continues to provide support where it is most needed, even if nature sometimes presents an insurmountable obstacle.

In the remote reaches of Kabare territory, in the heart of striking landscapes, lies the venerable community of Buhanga. Far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, agriculture reigns supreme here with potato and cabbage fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Dwellings can be counted on one hand, silent witnesses to an austere and simple life. Zone 1 contains four water points and Asili’s first primary health clinic, all operational since 2014.

In the remote reaches of Kabare territory, in the heart of striking landscapes, lies the venerable community of Buhanga. Far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, agriculture reigns supreme here with potato and cabbage fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Dwellings can be counted on one hand, silent witnesses to an austere and simple life. Zone 1 contains four water points and Asili’s first primary health clinic.

The Mudusa clinic averages more than 180 consultations per month with more than 120 pregnant women attending prenatal consultations. Due to the quality of these services, women travel from distant villages to follow their CPN in Mudusa. Around 250 children benefit each month from preventive consultations and vaccinations, preventing illnesses in children and improving overall community health.