Across Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, many young people face a shared reality: talent and creativity are abundant, but opportunities to transform them into sustainable livelihoods are limited. ART MOKILI NGONGA—an enterprise led by a member of the AJAN Three Zero Club (an extension of the Jesuit Youth Social Entrepreneurship Action Program)—was created to bridge this gap. By offering practical, market-driven training in interior design, the initiative equips youth with essential skills for both employment and entrepreneurship.

At its core, the initiative is built on a simple but powerful idea—skills change lives. By focusing on hands-on learning, ART MOKILI NGONGA helps participants move beyond theory into real-world application, enabling them to design, create, and solve practical challenges in interior spaces. Each training session is intentionally structured to combine traditional design understanding with modern techniques, ensuring learners are prepared for both local and contemporary market demands.

The programme works through a rotating model, hosting monthly workshops in different parishes within the deanery. This approach ensures accessibility, reaching young people where they are and removing barriers such as distance and cost. It also strengthens community engagement by turning local parishes into hubs of learning, creativity, and opportunity.

A key milestone in this journey was the first interior design training held from 6 to 11 April at Sainte Thérèse Parish in Ndjili, Kinshasa (D.R. Congo). The session brought together motivated participants who engaged deeply in practical exercises and collaborative learning. Despite operational challenges, the training delivered tangible outcomes: improved technical skills, increased confidence, and a clearer understanding of how interior design can become a viable career path or business venture.

Beyond technical competence, the programme places strong emphasis on mindset transformation. Participants are encouraged to see themselves not only as job seekers but as potential job creators. This shift is critical in a context where unemployment remains high and self-employment offers a realistic path to economic independence.

With the guidance and knowledge gained from the AJAN Jesuit Youth Social Entrepreneurship Action (JYSEA) Program and the 3ZERO Club in the DRC, ART MOKILI NGONGA is steadily building a model that integrates skills development with social transformation. Its vision is to expand training throughout Catholic parishes across the Kin-East region, ensuring that more young people—regardless of their background—can access practical, life-changing skills.

The broader impact is already emerging: young participants are beginning to imagine new possibilities, from starting small interior design services to improving existing work opportunities. Some are exploring entrepreneurship, while others are strengthening their professional capabilities to compete more effectively in the job market.

ART MOKILI NGONGA is more than a training programme—it is a platform for transformation. It demonstrates that when young people are given relevant skills, supportive mentorship, and space to grow, they do not only learn a trade; they build confidence, dignity, and a future they can shape themselves.