Democratic Republic of Congo: “Hope for all” Trains Pioneers in Ecovillages

In Congo, the heart of Africa, shaken by a long war, the people and the land urgently need healing and alternatives. Due to a variety of issues such as rural migration and lack of education, together with environmental degradation such as deforestation and soil erosion, the self-confidence of villagers, especially around Kinshasa, is greatly diminished. Luc Lutala, Vice President of GEN-Congo and president of Hope for All, organized an EDE course in Congo in December 2012, supported by Lua Bashala, Council member of GEN Africa, and Lucky Kekana, GEN ambassador. 38 people from 13 villages took part in the 11 day training. Lydia Schellhammer, volunteer at Hope for All, reports.

The EDE training encompasses strategies for sustainable development and adaptation to climate change that can be a path out of poverty into a sustainable future. The programme is based on the curriculum of Gaia Education and adapted to the lifestyle of traditional Congolese villages.
Experts gave a theoretical basis to the practical experience that followed at the farmers association Adrime, and to the visit to the agro forestry project Mampu.
International speakers, as well as experts from African countries, shared about alternative technologies and food production. André Muyaya shared legal issues and social dimensions.
At the farm Adrime, a 5 day long practical training followed. The participants analyzed the problems of communities. By sharing practical experiences in local development, land use, reforestation and agroforestry, aquaculture, and project organization, the participants explored sustainable solutions.
The group had the opportunity to test useful practices, particularly in composting, Rocket stove, and double dykes practices to protect the soil in a community-garden where trees were also planted.
We shared traditional dances, songs and stories around the fire at night. By communication games, debates and conferences, we explored the social dimension of creating community.

At Mampu the participants experienced an inspiring example of agriculture that respects and sustains the resources. Mampu is now a sustainable agro-forestry project that occupies about 8000 acres. The main point of the training was the exchange of ideas, knowledge and culture. Participants had the opportunity to acquire their own experience in the construction and organization of a community and the solution of conflicts and differences.

It was also important to show the participants the value of their personality, the importance of their work and their ability to change the reality of their lives. Due to the strong rural migration, environmental degradation such as deforestation, soil erosion and lack of education, the self-confidence of villagers around Kinshasa had been greatly diminished.

For the participants, the programme was a chance to bring about great changes in their self confidence and become part of the global ecovillage movement. Many of them expressed the wish to become agents of the change needed so urgently in their part of the world. Some of them decided to form a support network to use and share the energy, strength and wisdom they have developed in the community experience of the EDE course.
May the seeds strike roots and grow strong!