To develop a reliable system to deliver seeds to farmers so that they may begin cultivating at the appropriate time, and to organize a successful market for the community to buy and sell goods.
Block H in Meheba Refugee Settlement is composed mainly of farmers. In trying to support themselves and their families, these farmers depend on a reliable output from their crops. However, they have struggled in the past to obtain the seeds they need on time, resulting in disastrous losses in food supply and income. Further, even the crops they managed to produce were difficult to sell, as there has been no market near Block H. Given these challenges, the Block H community was determined to develop a project that both delivers seeds to farmers on time and ensures that they have a viable place to sell their goods. This project, one of the first planned and executed entirely by the refugees themselves, promises to increase the livelihood of Block H farmers while supplying other citizens of Block H with healthy, fresh foods to supplement their diets.
To provide an empowering skill that will expand the vocational and educational horizons of refugees upon their return to the Democratic Republic Congo (DRC).
The Mwange Computer Training Center, or Laboratoire Informatique Safari (LISa), is a fully-equipped, solar-powered computer center that offers refugees the opportunity to learn about and work with computers – something few have ever had a chance to do. Knowing that this skill will provide increased opportunity for employment in the world’s evolving economy, the wait list to attend is thousands of names long and each of the ten Panasonic Toughbook laptops is used round-the-clock in intensive, 2-month training sessions. The Mwange Computer Training Center has provided computer skills to over 1000 refugees.
To provide computer education and trainings in peace and non-violence.
As refugees are often the innocent victims of nations torn apart by war, peace education is both a highly sought after and highly respected curriculum within the camps in which FORGE works. Including such skills as non-violent communication, constructive collaborative, conflict resolution, and mediation, the peace component of the project teaches valuable tools that can be used to build community stability both within the camps and, eventually, within their home countries. While peace education provides the framework for a better future, scholars are quick to note that the lasting stability cannot be reached when individuals and communities have nothing to lose. Thus, the computer aspect of the project helps refugees to gain the skills that will build the economic opportunities that lay at the root of social stability. Realizing that the world has become increasingly reliant on technology for growth and expansion, refugees know that gaining a solid understanding of computer technology gives them an important tool for the establishment of a successful future. Computer skills can allow refugees to contribute to the rebuilding of their lives and countries by successfully gaining employment and by sharing the lessons that they have learned within the camp.
To enhance the earning potential and job skills of Kala Camp residents through valuable computer skills.
Refugees know that during their time in refuge, the world has become more and more reliant on technology. In this, they know that the future prospects of their families and their countries may depend upon the extent to which they gain the skills of the new tech economy. To make sure that Congo and the residents of Kala do not get left behind, the Kala Computer and Technology Center provides training in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint to over 1500 refugees annually. Courses are taught in English, French, and Swahili. In a recent voyage to the Democratic Republic of Congo, FORGE found that most of the local employees who worked with computers were former FORGE computer students. These individuals credit FORGE with their success in finding work and being able to support their families.
To reduce poverty and develop the skills of entrepreneurs living in Meheba through business education and microlending.
Due to legal restrictions, formal employment is not permitted for refugees in Zambia. This leaves many refugees dependent on rations and handouts in order to meet their daily needs, and fails to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit so prevalent within the camps. FORGE’s Microlending Project addresses this problem by recognizing the resourcefulness and creativity evident in many of Meheba’s residents and supporting their drive to utilize informal business opportunities. The FORGE Microlending Project provides small loans of $150 to give individuals the chance to become self-sufficient and to support their families. The Project also offers business education classes to assist refugees in building successful ventures, as well as locally-tailored support through refugee micro-loan officers. Through this combination of monetary assistance and education, most loanees have realized profits over 100%. Loan by loan, the lending project steadily reduces poverty, increases food security, alleviates dependence on international aid, and allows individuals affected by war to regain control over their lives.
To prepare Mwange residents for repatriation through skills training and the communication of up-to-date information related to the repatriation process.
Many of the residents of Mwange Refugee Camp have been living in refuge since 2000, when they fled war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Now, as the DRC celebrates more than two years without widespread conflict, these individuals are preparing to return home. Often unaware of the changes that await them, the skills that will be needed to successfully rebuild their lives, and their rights as repatriating refugees, the residents of Mwange expressed a great need for assistance with navigating the repatriation process. In order to support and facilitate this journey, FORGE established the Community Skills & Resource Center and the Reseau d'Information pour le Repatriement (RIR), which were later combined to create The FORGE Mwange Repatriation Center. For many repatriating refugees, this refugee-staffed project means the difference between a smooth and successful restart to their lives and a rocky one.
To provide repatriating refugees with tools and knowledge that will help them start healthy new lives when they return to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Many of the residents of Kala Refugee Camp have been living in refuge since 2000, when they fled war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Now, as the DRC celebrates more than two years without widespread conflict, these individuals are preparing to return home. Often unaware of the changes that await them, the skills that will be needed to successfully rebuild their lives, and their rights as repatriating refugees, the residents of Kala expressed a great need for assistance with navigating the repatriation process. In order to support and facilitate this journey, FORGE established the Community-Driven Repatriation Center (CDRC) to provide refugees with knowledge and skills that will help them transition to a new life. For many repatriating refugees, this refugee-staffed project means the difference between a smooth and successful restart to their lives and a rocky one.
