Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys lead us back to where we began. For Hands of Mercy International (HoM), returning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a reminder of how a small initiative, built on partnership and community determination, can grow into an opportunity for lasting change.
In 2017, Hands of Mercy International and its partners began supporting small self-help groups made up of young boys and girls, helping them establish and run small businesses. The idea was simple but powerful: provide young people with the resources and support they need to turn their ideas into income-generating activities, strengthen their independence, and contribute to their families and communities.
What began as a pilot has since developed into a longer journey of learning, community engagement, and investment in livelihoods.
Years later, we have returned to where the journey began, building on the lessons learned and expanding opportunities for more people to participate in the programme.
Starting Small, Building Hope
For many young people, the transition to economic independence is difficult. Limited access to capital, employment opportunities, and business resources can prevent them from turning their skills and ideas into sustainable livelihoods.
In 2017, Hands of Mercy International and its partners sought to address these challenges by providing funding to small self-help groups. Through collective action, young participants could start and manage small businesses, generate income, and support one another as they worked towards greater financial independence.
The self-help group approach was designed around the belief that communities have the capacity to create their own opportunities when given the right support. By working together, participants could share ideas, pool their efforts, and develop practical experience in managing income-generating activities.
Four Years of Learning and Growing Impact
Over the past four years, the pilot programme has provided valuable lessons about supporting community-based livelihoods. The experience has helped Hands of Mercy International and its partners understand the importance of investing in local initiatives, listening to participants, and providing opportunities that respond to the realities people face.
Encouraged by the results, Hands of Mercy International has increased its funding this year to build on the programme’s progress and reach more people.
The renewed investment reflects confidence in the potential of community-based enterprise to help women and young people develop livelihoods, strengthen household incomes, and improve their economic resilience.
Expanding Opportunities for 300 More Women and Young People
One of the most significant developments is the expansion of the programme to include 300 additional women and young people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This expansion builds on the original commitment to support grassroots groups and recognizes that economic empowerment must extend beyond a single group or community.
For women seeking to strengthen their livelihoods and young people hoping to establish businesses, access to financial resources can create an important starting point. With appropriate support, participants can pursue small enterprises, generate income, and contribute to the well-being of their households.
The programme also recognizes the wider value of investing in local economic activity. When small businesses become more sustainable, they can help circulate income within communities, meet local needs, and potentially create further opportunities for others.
The journey that began in the DRC is now informing plans to expand the initiative to Niger and Burundi, working together with local partners.
This next phase represents an important step in extending the programme’s reach while building on the experience gained through the original pilot.
Each country has its own economic realities, community structures, and livelihood challenges. As the programme expands, collaboration with local partners will be essential to ensure that activities respond to local needs and build on existing community strengths.
The intention is not simply to replicate a project from one country to another. It is to carry forward the central principles that shaped the original initiative: community participation, partnership, practical economic support, and the belief that women and young people should have opportunities to build their own futures.
By working with partners in Niger and Burundi, Hands of Mercy International hopes to create additional pathways for communities to develop small enterprises and strengthen their livelihoods.
