At 2.3 million square kilometers, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the 12th largest country in the world by geographic area, the fourth most populated country in Africa, and the 18th most populated country in the world [population of 60,764,000]. Life expectancy in the DRC is 48 years and the literacy rate is 66%. An estimated 5 million people have died as a result of many years of  conflict. Lack of basic services and infrastructure in eastern provinces of North and South Kivu, is exacerbated by the conflicts causing enormous humanitarian needs. Since January 2025, the rebel group M23 is in control the city of Goma. Our local partners paint a picture of devastation. Within the city and surrounding areas there has been an dramatic increase in both physical and sexual violence ofter resulting in death. Additionally, 40+ armed groups continue to operate in the eastern provinces, including North Kivu. An estimated 6.5 million people are at crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity and UNICEF estimates that 2.5 million children under the age of 5 are acutely malnourished. Cholera and measles outbreaks are repeatedly reported and malaria is endemic. The past few years have seen the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo, an Ebola outbreak and of course the COVID-19 pandemic.

​Cathy Cleary visited the city of Goma in the province of North Kivu in the DRCongo with well-known Canadian artist, Heather Haynes, in February of 2014.  After interviewing ten women, Cathy felt she must do something to support the women whose lives were consumed by poverty and violence. Over the next few months, Cathy worked with Kizungu, a local leader and connector to the women. Land was found, buildings repaired, and staff, including a teacher and a security guard, were hired. This was the beginning of the Tchukudu Women’s Training Centre (TWTC).  In May 2014, sixteen women began their seamstress training over a two-year period. The goal is for the women to become seamstresses and generate income in their individual or cooperative sewing businesses. The Tchukudu Women’s Training Centre is a partnership project between the DRCongo non-governmental organization, Volunteers for Mission in Child Care (VMC) and the Canada Africa Community Health Alliance  along with  The Art of Courage   

The TWTC land and building were purchased in May 2015, with many thanks to Salute Financial Entrepreneurs, and are registered in the name of VMC. This provides stability and continuity for the women and the project. It also provides the opportunity to expand the training centre. In September of 2015, through the generosity of Pure Ingenuity Inc.,  a security wall was erected around the training centre, ensuring the safety and security of the women as well as protecting the valuable equipment and supplies housed at the centre.

​As of July 2025, 65 women have graduated and began their cooperative sewing businesses. Ten women trained in basket weaving however the material costs were more than the possible sale price. While they were unable to continue with basket weaving, they remain connected to TWTC and benefit from any additional food and training we can provide. An additional 16 women are currently in sewing training.  After the graduation of this 6th group of trainees, our focus will be to work closely with all 81 women to ensure they have the skills needed to sustain a good quality of life for themselves and their families.