Resilient communities across eastern DRC and South Sudan.
For over four decades, UGEAFI has worked alongside communities in the Fizi-Itombwe highlands advancing health, education, food security and peace where they are needed most.
A snapshot of what UGEAFI delivered alongside communities in DRC and South Sudan.
Students graduated (60% girls)
2,700+
Students graduated (60% girls)
2,700+
People fully vaccinated
22,497
People fully vaccinated
22,497
People reached with safe water
90,000+
People reached with safe water
90,000+
Tree seedlings produced & planted
690,000
Tree seedlings produced & planted
690,000
Locally rooted, since 1978.
UGEAFI — the Union of Groups of Studies and Actions for the Development of Fizi-Itombwe — grew from cooperative farming and herding groups founded by highland communities in the late 1970s. Today it is a recognised NGO delivering integrated programs across health, education, agriculture and peacebuilding in DR Congo and South Sudan.
1978Founded by highland farming and herding cooperatives
TodayA recognised NGO across health, education, agriculture and peace
The ISOKO School Complex is UGEAFI's flagship — an integrated model where four vocational streams, each chosen for the region's real needs, converge on a single aim.
Sustainable community development
Four streams, one goal — graduates leave as nurses, agronomists, vets and entrepreneurs who go on to power UGEAFI's work across the Great Lakes.
A glimpse of the work — across health, food security, water, environment and peace.
EnvironmentCommunity tree nursery, Itombwe highlandsPeacebuildingA women's dialogue circleLivelihoodsLivestock start-up kits for householdsHumanitarianFood distribution to displaced families
"Before the school came to Minembwe, our children had almost no chance at the national exams. Last year, all 26 of our candidates passed."
Community member, MinembweFizi-Itombwe highlands, DR Congo
01EducationQuality schooling in remote, conflict-affected areas — anchored by Isoko Complex School.
02HealthLocal clinics, vaccination, maternal and child care, and mobile outreach.
03Food Security & LivelihoodsImproved seeds and climate-resilient farming for smallholder families.
04Water, Sanitation & HygieneSafe water points, handwashing, hygiene kits and disease prevention.
05Economic EmpowermentVillage Savings & Loan groups that build income and resilience.
06Environment & ClimateCommunity tree nurseries and reforestation that restore ecosystems.
07PeacebuildingMediation, non-violence training and community cohesion.
08Protection & InclusionGBV response and full inclusion of people with disabilities.
