With Congolese people

The organization 4Watoto within DR Congo currently consists only of Congolese people. 4Watoto attaches great importance to the fact that the children are raised by people in whom they can identify themselves and carry the culture they are used to.

Safeguarding the Congolese culture is one of the most important principles within 4Watoto's pedagogical policy.

The organization 4Watoto within DR Congo currently consists only of Congolese people. 4Watoto attaches great importance to the fact that the children within its organisation are raised by people in whom they can identify with and carry the culture they are used to. Safeguarding African / Congolese culture is one of the most important principles within 4Watoto's pedagogical policy.

Even though 4Watoto has a manager (Aline Rehema), we attach great value to everyone within our organisation being heard and being able to give their opinion. 4Watoto strives to be an organisation that works from bottom-up. Team-Congo therefore has a general meeting every Monday, after which multiple meetings take place within the following sections during the week:

1. Education 2. Pedagogy 3. Security 4. Hygiene & Health

There are currently 15 people working within Team DR Congo.

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

Support local economy

Supporting the local economy has a high priority within 4Watoto's policy. On a macro level, the impact on the local economy is currently modest, as 4Watoto is not yet an extremely large organization. On the micro level, however, the impact is significant.

How does 4Watoto currently support the local economy?

All food is bought at the market or along the road from citizens and not from supermarket chains (which often belong to foreigners).

Clothing is bought at Virunga's second-hand clothing market and not bought from major retailers.

Special occasion clothing called Kitenge (for birthdays, graduation ceremonies and church visits) are handmade. Work clothing is also made in DR Congo.

4Watoto uses for the transport of goods: buses, motorcycles and Chukudus. The latter are wooden scooters on which cargo is loaded, these are only used within the Congolese province of North Kivu. For use, the owner receives a rental price / transport price, which generates extra income.

By giving its employees a salary that is higher than the average, their income increases. Their children can now also be sent to school or the purchase of more educational materials / a uniform becomes possible due to extra finances. This has impact on the local economy at a micro level, an employee gets more spending space. Example: Kitenge (fabric used to make handmade clothing) can be bought for a special occasion, that will give another citizen a job and an income.

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Involved neighbourhood

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

How do we realize this aim?

After school, children play outside with other children from the neighborhood. In addition to being very good for the development of children, it also brings more contact between neighbouring parents and our employees.

Children but also parents are invited to birthday parties to get in touch with each other in a pleasant way.

4Watoto has repaired the overturned electricity pole on her street.

Small supplies are purchased from ward members. Think of snacks & sweets, internet for the phone or vegetables

In the future, 4Watoto would like to build a playground / sports-field where the children of 4Watoto can play safely and fun with other children from the neighbourhood.

Let's unite!

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