Dear reader, thank you for taking the time to learn about Watoto Welfare.

If you believe in children’s rights, education, and women dignity, you are in the right place.

Watoto Welfare’s work is deeply personal to me. I was born and raised in a farming family in South Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Between 2019 and 2022, armed conflict devastated my home region, destroying villages, schools, hospitals, churches, and local infrastructure. Thousands lost their lives, and millions were displaced, including many children and women.

After finding safety in the Netherlands and receiving a residence permit, I could not forget the children and women left behind (millions in displaced camps). They are not statistics to me; they are siblings, friends, neighbours, and families I know. Many parents lost everything and could no longer afford schooling for their children, while many women lost their livelihoods and dignity.

My experience in humanitarian work, development cooperation, sustainability, and community engagement with the United Nations and international NGOs strengthened my resolve to act. In 2022, I shared this vision with our founding board members, and together we established Watoto Welfare. “Watoto” means “children”.

Guided by the principle “Learn, Do, and Earn,” we believe education, practical skills, entrepreneurship, and access to finance can help children, youth, and women break the cycle of poverty and build more peaceful communities.

Our mission is clear: help children access education, support women to build sustainable livelihoods, and strengthen families through entrepreneurship, microcredit, and trusted local partnerships.

In our first year of operation in 2023, we helped 10 children return to school in Minembwe. During the 2024–2025 school year, this support grew to 50 students, and for 2026–2027 school year, we expanded our reach to 100 students. We also supported 25 women with seed capital to start businesses through microcredit in Kamanyola. 

Thanks to the dedication of our working board of trustees and supporters like you, Watoto Welfare can continue making a meaningful difference for children and women in Eastern DRC. 

Thank you for helping us build a future where vulnerable children and families in Eastern DRC can learn, grow, and thrive with dignity.

With deep gratitude,

Rugwegwe Olivier N. Founder of Watoto Welfare