Legitimate groups acting for the people

Apef works with 85 different women’s associations and 120 rural groups. After each formal training session or meeting, the participants pass on skill they have acquired to the other members of their association or group; in this way everyone benefits from Apef’s actions – 1250 women in Bukavu and 9500 rural members.
Apef trains the members of these associations to promote active participation in the life of the community or village. Six two-day sessions have already enabled almost 200 individuals to be trained in: laws and policies, rules and regulations concerning community-based activities, each individual’s roles and responsibilities. Results have been immediate: general meetings have been organised, associations are more active, leaders’ responsibilities are recognized and acted upon.
These individual members of society become important actors in local community life, capable of uniting the population. Moreover their efforts to defend civic rights before public powers, oppose corruption and their proposals of initiatives to combat poverty are considered truly legitimate.

Citizens active in democratic life

Apef offers training in civic responsibility centred on the proper running of institutions (knowledge of DRC’s constitution, management of decentralized administrations), the electoral process (timing of municipal and local elections, voting process), and exercise of power (healthy government, civic duty).
With this training, participants acquire knowledge of democratic government and civic practices. In the future they are able to freely run, vote and participate in political life in good conscience, knowing the factors implied.
These men and women, participating actively in the social, economic and political life of their country, are the Congo’s future. They, along with their associations and rural groups, are working towards the building of a long-standing peace, enabling the most destitute to take hold of their future and escape the grip of poverty.