Of course 4Watoto has its board, but we attach great importance to everyone within our organization being heard and being able to give their opinion on, among other things, the state of affairs, the chosen course and the goals. After all, we are all equal. Team Congo therefore has a general meeting every Monday, after which meetings are held in the sections during the week:

Education, Pedagogy, Surveillance, Hygiene & Health, Administration / R&D

Team DR Congo currently employs 20 people, 11 full-time and 9 part-time.

Who are Team DR Congo? Read more on page: 'Team DR Congo'

Support local economy

Within the policy of 4Watoto, supporting the local economy is a high priority. At the macro level, the impact on the local economy is currently modest, as 4Watoto is not yet a large organization. At the micro level, however, the impact is large.

How is 4Watoto currently supporting the local economy?

• All food is bought at the market or along the road from citizens and not from supermarket chains (which are often owned by foreigners).

• Clothes are bought at Virunga's second-hand clothing market and not from large stores.

• Special occasion clothing called Kitenge for birthdays, graduation ceremonies and church visits are handmade. The work clothing is also made in DR Congo.

• 4Watoto uses buses, motorbikes and Chukudus for the transport of goods. Chukudus are wooden scooters on which cargo is loaded. These are only in use within the Congolese province of North Kivu. The owner receives a rental fee/transport fee for the use, which generates additional income.

• 4Watoto offers its employees a salary that is higher than the national average. This increases the financial stability of our employees. In addition to the social impact that comes from the fact that employees' children can also go to school. In addition, the purchase of more educational materials and uniforms becomes possible. This has an impact on the local economy at a micro level. An employee has more spending power. Example: More Kitenge (fabric with which handmade clothing is made) is purchased for a special occasion, which gives another citizen work and therefore an income.

Involved neighborhood

In addition to close contact with the district leader (Chef de Quartier) regarding the registration of children and the investigation of family members, 4Watoto strives for good relations with other residents of the district.

How do we achieve this ambition?

• Children play outside after school with other children from the neighborhood. Besides the fact that this is very good for the development of children, it brings more contact between parents and our employees.

• Children as well as parents are invited to birthday parties to have a nice time together.

• Small necessities are purchased from members of the neighbourhood. Think of snacks & sweets, internet for the telephone or vegetables.
• We organize neighborhood conferences where 300 children learn more about topics such as children's rights, sex education, entrepreneurship.

We are together!