Philanthropic Circle

The Circle is currently funding our Graduation Programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country which ranks 179 out of 189 on the Human Development Index (2019). Decades of conflict have exacerbated levels of food insecurity and displacement, resulting in 77% of the population living in poverty, 43% of children under five are malnourished, and 67% of rural populations unable to access safe drinking water.

The Graduation model is an innovative approach to addressing such extreme poverty.  It works by accurately targeting extremely poor households and delivering a comprehensive package of support including regular financial support, training, coaching, savings support and a start-up grant on completion of the programme.

The Graduation Programme in DRC works with communities to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities and to promote positive hygiene practices to reduce vulnerability to water-borne diseases and health-related shocks. By working alongside community leaders, the programme also works to address issues of gender inequalities that continue to lead to discrimination against women and girls.

The aim is to sustainably lift households out of extreme poverty by equipping participants with diversified livelihood options and increased resilience to lifecycle shocks and stresses.

Tackling entrenched, extreme poverty is challenging - but it is possible.  By joining the Concern Philanthropic Circle, you join a group of people, who together, fund programmes that have a real and lasting impact on the lives of some of the poorest people in the world.