Through the suport of African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) Centre Saint Ignace in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) officially launched the 2026 Building Resilience in Women and Girls in Africa (BRWGA) program in the Kingabwa neighbourhood, marking a significant step toward empowerment, skills development, and economic self-reliance for vulnerable communities in the area.

Following the approval of funding for the project, officials from the Centre Saint Ignace and members of the Christian Life Community (CVX) convened on April 19, 2026, to outline the implementation process. During the meeting, April 23 was designated as the official launch date for vocational training in sewing and tailoring for young girls, while April 29 was set aside for the distribution of microloans to 50 women living with HIV.

Empowering Girls Through Tailoring Training

The vocational component of the project began at the Centre de formation Emmaüs under the coordination of the Centre Saint Ignace. Although the programme initially targeted 20 girls, only 12 beneficiaries were admitted due to the training centre’s limited capacity for the 2026 intake.

During the launch ceremony, Fr. Blaise Evagle, Parish Priest of Saint Kizito Parish, commended the Centre Saint Ignace for its continued commitment to supporting vulnerable people in the community, particularly young girls and young mothers facing difficult social and economic realities.

Addressing the learners, Mr. Rémy Ngamba, Director of the Centre Saint Ignace, introduced the participants to the life and spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, emphasizing how Ignatian spirituality inspires AJAN’s mission of accompanying and empowering vulnerable communities across Africa. He encouraged the girls to embrace the opportunity seriously, reminding them that the training could transform their futures and provide a pathway toward dignity and self-reliance.

The tailoring programme will run for nine months and includes a one-month internship in professional workshops across the city to strengthen the learners’ practical skills. Mr. Ngamba also urged the trainees to remain disciplined, collaborative, and committed throughout the programme to ensure successful completion.

To support the launch of the programme, the Centre Saint Ignace paid the first four months of apprenticeship fees and distributed learning supplies purchased by project staff to all trainees. Training officially commenced on April 28 following a meeting between the Centre de formation Emmaüs management and parents of the beneficiaries, during which parents were encouraged to provide consistent support for their daughters throughout the training period.

Supporting Women Living with HIV Through Microloans

In addition to vocational training for girls, the project also focuses on the economic empowerment of women living with HIV in Kingabwa, an area with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Kinshasa.

Before the disbursement of microloans, the Centre Saint Ignace undertook an extensive preparation process, including the identification and registration of beneficiaries, awareness sessions on entrepreneurship and project sustainability, and the establishment of a mentorship structure involving former beneficiaries.

Five former beneficiaries were selected to mentor and accompany the new participants while also assisting with repayment follow-up and accountability processes. These women were entrusted with ensuring transparency in the project’s financial management while encouraging the new beneficiaries to successfully grow their small businesses.

During the awareness sessions, Mr. Rémy Ngamba highlighted the importance of economic independence for women, explaining that women who are financially empowered are less vulnerable to exploitation, sexually transmitted infections, and unwanted pregnancies. He stressed that sustainable livelihoods are essential in reducing vulnerability and restoring dignity among women in marginalized communities.

Before the distribution of funds, Fr. Blaise Evagle encouraged the women to give thanks to God for the opportunity provided through AJAN and reminded them to use the funds responsibly for income-generating activities rather than non-essential purchases. He also assured the beneficiaries of continued prayers for the anonymous donors and supporters whose generosity made the initiative possible.

On April 29, 2026, each of the 50 beneficiaries officially received a microloan of 50 US dollars to launch or expand small-scale business activities under the guidance and conditions established by the Centre Saint Ignace.

The launch of the Building Resilience in Women and Girls in Africa (BRWGA) program demonstrates AJAN’s continued commitment to accompanying vulnerable women and girls across Africa through initiatives that promote dignity, empowerment, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. Through vocational education, mentorship, and economic support, the Saint Ignatius Centre in Kinshasa hopes to create lasting change for beneficiaries and extend opportunities to even more women and girls in the future.

Report By, Mr. Rémy Ngamba,

Director of the Centre Saint Ignace.