Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – August 12, 2026

During his visit to Kinshasa, Fr. Ismael Matambura SJ, Director of the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN), visited Centre Saint Ignace in Kingabwa on Wednesday, August 12, to assess the progress of the 2026 Women’s Resilience Project and meet its beneficiaries.

Despite heavy traffic along the Route des Poids Lourds in Limete, Fr. Matambura arrived at Saint Ignace Parish at around 11:30 a.m., where he was warmly welcomed by beneficiaries eagerly awaiting his visit. Present were 12 young women enrolled in the tailoring and dressmaking training programme, 50 women living with HIV who received microcredit support in 2026, and several beneficiaries from the 2025 cohort.

Strengthening Hope Through Partnership

The visit began with a cordial meeting between Fr. Ismael Matambura SJ. and Fr. Blaise Evagle, Parish Priest of Saint Ignace Parish, who expressed his appreciation for AJAN’s mission and the positive impact of its programmes within the parish community. Their exchange reflected a shared commitment to serving vulnerable communities through faith-inspired action.

The main gathering took place inside the parish church, bringing together beneficiaries from both the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Women’s Resilience Project for prayer, reflection, and dialogue.

Addressing the participants, Fr. Blaise encouraged the women to embrace the spirit of solidarity that underpins the project by managing their small businesses with discipline and responsibility. He urged them to make regular contributions to the common fund so that the initiative can continue supporting more women in Kingabwa.

Ignatian Spirituality at the Heart of Empowerment

In his address, Fr. Ismael Matambura encouraged beneficiaries to take full ownership of the project as a pathway to economic independence and personal dignity. “This project is designed to lift you up and accompany you towards self-reliance,” he said.

He explained that AJAN’s initiatives are rooted in Ignatian spirituality, which inspires Jesuit institutions to stand alongside vulnerable people in society. “The Jesuits are formed to be men for others, especially for those most in need, following the spirituality of our founder, Saint Ignatius of Loyola,” he told the gathering.

Turning to the 12 young tailoring trainees, Fr. Matambura challenged them to value their vocational training as an opportunity for a better future. “By acquiring practical skills and generating your own income, you will strengthen your place in society and avoid situations that expose you to vulnerability,” he said.

Voices of Gratitude from Beneficiaries

The most moving moments of the visit came as beneficiaries shared their own testimonies. Women living with HIV expressed heartfelt gratitude for the microcredit support, describing it as an opportunity to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. They thanked Fr. Matambura on behalf of AJAN for standing with them.

The young tailoring trainees also shared their appreciation, affectionately referring to him as “the Father from AJAN.” They thanked AJAN and the Christian Life Community (CVX) for believing in their potential and selecting them for the programme. They described the training as a gateway to meaningful social and economic integration, giving them confidence to build independent futures.

A Celebration of Community

Before concluding the visit, the women living with HIV shared a moment of fellowship over juice and cake, reinforcing the sense of community that has become central to the project. Fr. Matambura departed Kingabwa , leaving behind renewed hope and encouragement for beneficiaries committed to building resilient and self-sustaining lives.

By, M. Rémy Ngamba Etsayem,

Director, Centre Saint Ignace, Kinshasa-DRC.