Tuungane Program Report July 2026

Introduction

The Tuungane program began in 2016 with the goal of assisting various families—specifically those of soldiers in the Congolese armed forces who were members and Christians in the Church in the marine base of Bukavu. The program originated through small weekly contributions of one dollar, with the pooled funds entrusted to one or two members each week. These group members subsequently formed a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) comprising 25 people. The program proved highly successful, and we now have over 21 groups, totalling 525 members.

Of the 21 groups mentioned above, 10 are already receiving assistance through BHW funds. The remaining 11 groups—comprising vulnerable individuals—are awaiting our financial support.

It should be noted that the war that recently devastated our various villages and areas has complicated things. Support had already been provided to 210 beneficiaries; these individuals subsequently generated capital to assist another 40 people, bringing the total number of people supported by the Tuungane program to 250.

During the war that began in Goma, North Kivu, the people of Kalehe—the area most severely affected—found themselves hosting displaced persons arriving from Minova and Goma. This situation disrupted the normal course of daily life, as the local population was already under stress and unsettled by news of the conflict. A large portion of the population began to flee. In response, we took the time to reach out to them, and BHW assisted us in providing food aid to displaced people staying with various host families in the city of Bukavu.

We are now approaching the third year of the war ravaging the eastern part of the DRC. In this eastern region—specifically South and North Kivu (including Goma, Bukavu, and the villages surrounding these two major cities)—participants in the Tuungane program have faced severe hardships. These include the loss of property, capital, and homes (with some members seeing their houses destroyed), as well as deaths and acts of sexual violence—including the rape of women, children, and men. Numerous atrocities committed by armed groups have been documented by local and international organizations, such as Human Rights Watch.

With violence having significantly subsided across our various areas of intervention, we conducted a survey in Kalehe, Kabare, Katana, Kabamba, Kalonge, Chikera, and Kamanyola to assess the current living conditions of our beneficiaries. Out of more than 1,225 households, we surveyed 342. The results are heartbreaking, as most of these families endured terrible hardships during the war; almost every family had lost something—whether money, property, or loved ones.

We must acknowledge that the scars of war remain raw in the hearts of our people, requiring humanitarian intervention and assistance at all levels. Our beneficiaries have lost their capitals as a result of repeatedly fleeing to safer areas; their assets were either consumed to ensure their families' survival or seized by armed groups.

We currently have 37 beneficiaries living in conditions of unprecedented poverty. Although they all fled the fighting, they have since returned to their villages; however, they are no longer able to support their families as they once did and have been reduced to begging.

Recent Events

Trainings Before Receiving Loan

To ensure that the funds granted to beneficiaries are strictly allocated to income-generating projects, ACLUP provides a training module that is regularly delivered to them. This module explains the role of women as economic drivers within the Christian family and sheds light on our role as Christians in seeking financial balance. We draw upon the Word of God found in Proverbs 30:24–28. Scripture offers a striking revelation regarding four small creatures that, despite lacking physical strength, possess great wisdom for overcoming their limitations.

To achieve this, we had already trained women capable of passing on this type of training to other women. We call these women "Role Model Women," while their colleagues call them "Maman Cheffe." This is done with a watchful eye to ensure the funds are placed in the right hands. 

Loan Distribution

Once the training is complete, we proceed to distribute micro-loans. The beneficiaries are members of their VSLA (Village Savings and Loan Association) and are well-known within their group. The funds provided are technically a grant, yet they function as a loan taken out within the group. We typically provide an amount equivalent to 100 USD in Congolese Francs. With these funds, the beneficiary makes regular monthly payments—at least 2% of the amount received, or $2—over a period of 20 months. She hands this sum over to her group to help build capital for another member. At the end of this period, the money remains hers.

During the fund distribution activity, the various members are recorded in a register, and each has a small personal notebook where monthly transactions are logged. These women contribute not only the $2 but also at least $0.25 toward what they call a "charity donation"—or *Upendo* in Swahili. Whenever a group member falls ill, they draw from this fund to visit and assist them; the same applies when a baby is born to a member of the group. 

Activities to Maintain Capital

During the training sessions—which are held regularly for new members (we organized such sessions in November 2025 and March 2026)—we emphasize proper practices for preserving capital. Each beneficiary is expected to look out for the others and ensure everyone follows the correct procedures during their various activities. This year, we established a disciplinary team to verify that members are adhering to the guidelines. Regarding operations, each individual sells the products of their choice. Due to a lack of sufficient funds, many operate as small-scale vendors in local markets, selling items such as tomatoes, amaranth, cabbage, potatoes, palm oil, and small dried fish.

For our part, we regularly organize visits to the various markets to observe their activities. This year, given the restrictions on travel to the villages, we focused our visits on the city—specifically the markets in Katana, Bagira, and Kalehe. 

December 2025 Funds

In December 2025, we received regular funds totalling $2,200, with $200 allocated for bank and withdrawal fees. Given that we had several members on the waiting list, we selected the most vulnerable among them. As a result, 13 members were served, and we are delighted about this. Below is the explanatory table of expenses.

Comments

As you have observed and highlighted, the Tuungane program is a cornerstone of the effective fight against poverty. The population has undoubtedly endured a very difficult period, and we congratulate those who persevered and managed to retain their capital to this day. It is worth noting that, out of the 250 members who received capital, at least 23%—a total of 58 individuals—lost it. Among these 58 people, at least 37 are classified as highly vulnerable. Even regarding the 192 individuals who report still holding their capital, accounts vary: some state they retain half, while others claim to have the full amount. Thirty-three members have reportedly indicated that they hold half of the capital.

Based on the above, we offer the following suggestions to BHW:
1) The war that swept through our province of South Kivu has left lasting scars on the entire population. Prioritizing their situation would be a blessing and a way to save entire families currently languishing in poverty. For now, we request funds for the 37 vulnerable families (US$3,700 if we consider $100 per individual).

2) The Tuungane Program should not be discontinued; instead, it should be revised and backed by substantial funding to meet the beneficiaries' expectations. For instance, establishing a joint income-generating project would be a major asset.

3) We live in a country where the government is indifferent to its people. Even amidst the conflict, our security is precarious. For those of us living in these areas, the need for prayer is constant.

For ACLUP DRC
Paulin MURHIMANYA BASHOMBANA