Years of armed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have forced hundreds of thousands of families to flee their homes, disrupting education, livelihoods and social cohesion. In Goma, where displaced families and host communities continue to face the consequences of repeated humanitarian emergencies, creating opportunities that support recovery and strengthen long-term resilience is essential to addressing both immediate needs and longer-term challenges.
To respond to these challenges, AVSI has launched the FARE (Training, Reception, Resilience and Education) project, implemented with funds from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in partnership with the Diocese of Goma. Running from January 2026 to June 2027, the project combines education, livelihood support and community engagement to help vulnerable families rebuild their lives with dignity.
The FARE project will directly reach 3,400 project participants from displaced and host communities in Goma. Through an integrated approach combining education, vocational training, and livelihood support, the project aims to strengthen resilience and create opportunities for those most affected by the humanitarian crisis.
Education: expanding opportunities for conflict-affected young people
Education is at the heart of the FARE project. By expanding access to quality learning and vocational training, the project aims to equip conflict-affected young people with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities.
A cornerstone of the project is the rehabilitation and equipping of the Propaedeutic Centre of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Buhimba. The centre currently has limited infrastructure and lacks the facilities needed to respond to the growing educational needs of displaced and host communities. Through the project, it will be transformed into a functional training hub where project participants will access vocational training, while dedicated early childhood learning spaces will also be created.
In addition to education activities, the centre will host social cohesion initiatives designed to bring together displaced and host communities, creating opportunities for dialogue, inclusion and collaboration.
Overall, 2,000 project participants will benefit from education and training opportunities designed to strengthen their skills and improve their prospects for employment or self-employment.
Strengthening livelihoods and economic resilience
For many families, rebuilding their lives also means restoring their ability to earn an income and meet their basic needs.
The project will provide essential non-food item kits and improved cookstoves to vulnerable households while supporting families to restart agricultural activities and develop sustainable sources of income. Participants will receive technical assistance, business management training, personalised coaching and start-up kits to launch or strengthen income-generating activities.
These interventions will reach 1,400 people, helping families improve their food security, diversify their livelihoods, and increase their economic resilience. Women will play a central role in these activities, reflecting AVSI's commitment to promoting their economic empowerment and participation in community recovery.
Building stronger communities together
FARE adopts a Nexus approach, linking humanitarian assistance with long-term recovery and development. By investing simultaneously in education, livelihoods and social cohesion, the project seeks not only to address immediate needs but also to strengthen communities' capacity to withstand future shocks.
Working closely with local institutions and communities, AVSI aims to create inclusive opportunities that encourage collaboration between displaced people and host communities, fostering mutual support and peaceful coexistence.
The launch of FARE marks another important step in AVSI's commitment to supporting communities affected by conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
By combining education, livelihoods and community engagement, the FARE project contributes to strengthening resilience and expanding opportunities for displaced people and host communities in Goma.