DR Congo: World Vision Launches a Development Programme in Nkama to Transform Lives
By Didier Nagifi, Communications Officer
On Saturday, 14 June 2025, in Kinshasa, World Vision DRC officially launched a new community development programme in the Nkama neighbourhood, located in the commune of N’Sele. This initiative aims to improve the living conditions of vulnerable households, with a particular focus on the well-being of children.
The event brought together local authorities, community leaders, families, and World Vision teams. Nicole Masanze, Kinshasa Cluster Manager, opened the event by stating:
"We are here to walk alongside this community, to build a better future for our children together."
A Vision and Values at the Heart of the Mission
To contextualise the organisation’s commitment, Dodo Makuala, Acting Director of the Western Zone, presented World Vision’s identity. He explained the meaning of its logo, reaffirmed its vision of a world where every child can live life in all its fullness, and highlighted its humanitarian mission and core values that guide its actions.
In the same vein, Franklin Malongo, Director of Quality and Assurance, shared the findings of the feasibility study carried out in Nkama. He emphasised that the community sees World Vision as a reliable partner capable of addressing its key needs and building sustainable solutions together.
Multisectoral Interventions for Lasting Impact
The various components of the programme were presented by World Vision specialists, each focusing on their area of expertise.
Martin Mukenge, Education Specialist, highlighted reading clubs and the Youth Ready approach to strengthen young people's skills. These initiatives will better prepare adolescents and young adults for their professional and civic futures.
Building on this empowerment approach, Romanie Litanga, Livelihoods Specialist, explained that initiatives such as farmer field schools, savings groups, and livestock farming will be implemented to strengthen households’ economic resilience. The aim is to help families develop their productive capacity to sustainably meet their children’s needs.
To complement efforts in education and economic development, the health dimension was not overlooked. André Kimpinde, Health and Nutrition Specialist, stressed the importance of community-based approaches such as positive deviance, model households, and targeted home visits.
"These are effective strategies to prevent child malnutrition and strengthen care practices within households," he said.
Nicole Masanze reiterated the central role of residents in the process:
"Sustainable development cannot be achieved without the active involvement of local communities. We are here to co-create with you."
Lastly, Faustin Mungwalo, Sponsorship Manager, presented child sponsorship as a key pillar: "The sponsorship programme is a vital link between children and sponsors who believe in their potential."
A Mobilised and Grateful Community
The Nkama community warmly welcomed the programme. Mr Noël, representative of the N’Sele mayor, praised the initiative by saying:
"This programme is not a handout, but a genuine development partnership. Let’s welcome it with open arms."
For her part, Mama Louise, a resident of the neighbourhood, expressed her gratitude:
"This programme is a blessing for us. Our children will now have more opportunities. Thank you, World Vision."
This launch marks the beginning of a strong partnership between World Vision and the Nkama community. The organisation reaffirms its commitment to working hand in hand with families, local leaders, and authorities to create an environment where every child can grow up in safety, in good health, and with dignity.
As Nicole Masanze aptly concluded: "Change starts here, with you. Together, we can transform the lives of the most vulnerable children."