We envision a Congo where vulnerable populations can actively and sustainably participate in the local economy.
Neema [neh-AY-mah], Swahili for “grace,” strives to accelerate the growth of small businesses by providing resources and expertise with a focus on vulnerable populations who lack formal employment or have a high dependency ratio. Neema offers grant opportunities to start or expand small businesses.
NEEMA’S IMPACT
Since 2016, Neema has impacted 153 beneficiaries, including 38 women now trained in basic business skills, and enabled five families to send their children to school through a pig and goat breeding project.
Below are just a few examples of how UCBC alumni and students are directly impacting lives through Neema Congo.
Kizito, a UCBC alum, developed a soap making business that now employs 15 women.
UCBC students train 10 families on breeding pigs and goats in order to send their children to school.
A women’s cooperative raises chickens and sells the eggs in order to their children’s school fees.