Vocational Training
Skills for Success, Hope for Tomorrow
2025 Goals
Vocational training is crucial in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where access to traditional education and formal employment opportunities is often limited. For orphaned and underserved youth, vocational training programs provide underserved youth with practical skills and hands-on experience, paving the way for immediate employment opportunities and career advancement. By focusing on specific trades and professions relevant to the North Kivu, DRC region, vocational programs equip young people with the tools needed to secure stable, well-paying jobs, reducing unemployment rates and fostering economic independence.
Additionally, these programs often offer a supportive learning environment, promoting confidence, self-reliance, and a sense of achievement. By bridging the gap between education and employment, vocational training empowers underserved youth to build brighter futures and contribute positively to their communities.
This year, our goal is to raise $10,000 and/or receive donated equipment to expand our vocational training programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Join our efforts of empowering the orphans we support to become self-sufficient.
Digital Skills Program
ICA's Digital Skills Program, launched in 2018, provides essential training for 15 students each year.
The program equips participants with essential technology skills that are crucial in today’s digital world. By learning core competencies such as computer operation, internet navigation, and software use (e.g., Microsoft Office), participants gain valuable tools to improve their employability, productivity, and entrepreneurial potential. This program not only builds confidence in handling digital tasks but also opens doors to new career opportunities. It empowers participants to succeed in modern workplaces or even establish their own businesses, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods.
To ensure each student has access to the tools they need, we require 10 laptops and one printer, totaling $5,000. Your support in reaching this goal can make a lasting difference—please consider contributing to empower these students on their path to self-sufficiency.
Sewing Program
The Sewing Program, launched in 2017, is vital for equipping youth with essential skills that promote self-sufficiency and open doors to numerous career opportunities.
Each year, 15 students enroll in the program, where they learn not only how to sew but also how to design and create garments. This training can lead to careers such as tailor, sewing instructor, fashion designer, or even an entrepreneur. By providing these skills, we empower students to gain meaningful employment or start their own businesses, ultimately fostering economic independence.
To enhance the program, we need 10 additional sewing machines and one embroidery machine, totaling $5,000.
Your contributions will help us achieve this goal and continue providing valuable training to our students, setting them on a path to success. Please consider supporting our mission!
Agricultural Program
This program, launched in 2019, is vital as it helps combat food insecurity while equipping children with essential agricultural and livestock farming skills.
Each year, 10 students enroll in this program, where they learn to cultivate crops for their consumption and eventual sale, allowing them to generate income. They also aim to raise animals to improve their nutritional needs.
In 2022, we purchased a 1.5-acre plot of land to support these efforts. Although the children subsequently celebrated their first harvest, which provided one meal for ~60 orphans, we lost access to the land when it was seized by rebels.
While we await the rebel's retreat from the land, participants learn about agriculture and livestock farming in a classroom setting.