What We Do
We elevate the long-term economic well-being of Congolese women by helping them build thriving, sustainable businesses through micro-grants and skills training programs.
Microgrants
The founder of Saidiana recognized the great entrepreneurial spirit of the women of The Democratic Republic of Congo. Small grants are the fuel for this spirit, allowing these women to put their business dreams into action. Saidiana’s microgrants enable Congolese women, previously not served by other lending or grant-making organizations, the ability to start new businesses or enhance existing ones. Through the financial support of our grant-giving model, these women now how the economic freedom to use their skills to earn money to feed and clothe their children. Sadiana works to uphold the standard of building long-lasting sustainable businesses, promoting economic stability for future generations to come.
Microgrants
The founder of Saidiana recognized the great entrepreneurial spirit of the women of The Democratic Republic of Congo. Small grants are the fuel for this spirit, allowing these women to put their business dreams into action. Saidiana’s microgrants enable Congolese women, previously not served by other lending or grant-making organizations, the ability to start new businesses or enhance existing ones. Through the financial support of our grant-giving model, these women now how the economic freedom to use their skills to earn money to feed and clothe their children. Sadiana works to uphold the standard of building long-lasting sustainable businesses, promoting economic stability for future generations to come.
Sewing School
Saidiana operates two sewing trade schools for women in Lubumbashi and Kisanga. We purposefully serve impoverished mothers who struggle to feed, clothe, and educate their children and have no other access to capital. The first graduating class was in December 2016. The achievements of the school have outdone our goals and in fact, exceeded our wildest dreams. The initial objective was to train women to sew finished products that could be sold in the market or door-to-door to earn $50 per month. Graduates were given a manual sewing machine and a small grant for fabric. Now, our graduates are thriving, surpassing the $50 goal and expanding their skills to include general sewing services. Through our trade school program, these women were able to build profitable and sustainable business. Based on the success of this model we look forward to future expansion.
Sewing School
Saidiana operates two sewing trade schools for women in Lubumbashi and Kisanga. We purposefully serve impoverished mothers who struggle to feed, clothe, and educate their children and have no other access to capital. The first graduating class was in December 2016. The achievements of the school have outdone our goals and, in fact, exceeded our wildest dreams. The initial objective was to train women to sew finished products that could be sold in the market or door-to-door to earn $50 per month. Graduates were given a manual sewing machine and a small grant for fabric. Now, our graduates are thriving, surpassing the $50 goal and expanding their skills to include general sewing services. Through our trade school program, these women were able to build a profitable and sustainable business. Based on the success of this model, we look forward to future expansion.
Young Moms Program
Young moms are mothers of children born as the result of prostitution. While examining solutions to provide a sustainable work environment for these young women, we noticed they were exceptionally talented and interested in coiffing each other’s hair. In 2018, the Young Moms Hair School was born. Upon graduation, the women will receive supplies to start their own business. We are recently celebrating our fifth group of graduates, and their dedication and enthusiasm inspire us. Kimbilio has been working on the ground supporting street children and their families for 12 years. The team has many years of experience and will often have known the young moms from when Kimbilio has supported them in the past, usually through their day center or through their short-term homes and family reintegration service. This makes it possible to reach those who are most in need of an opportunity like this.
Young Moms Program
Young moms are mothers of children born as the result of prostitution. While examining solutions to provide a sustainable work environment for these young women, we noticed they were exceptionally talented and interested in coiffing each other’s hair. In 2018, the Young Moms Hair School was born. Upon graduation, the women will receive supplies to start their own business. We are recently celebrating our fifth group of graduates, and their dedication and enthusiasm inspire us. Kimbilio has been working on the ground supporting street children and their families for 12 years. The team has many years of experience and will often have known the young moms from when Kimbilio has supported them in the past, usually through their day center or through their short-term homes and family reintegration service. This makes it possible to reach those who are most in need of an opportunity like this.
Solar Panels Campaign
This renewable energy source will provide the women in our trade school with better working conditions and allow them to run their businesses more effectively. They will use the electricity generated from solar panels to run their freezers, illuminate classrooms, and teach their children. When we asked the women in the Congo what they needed the most, they replied that they needed somewhere to stay safe from crime. Adding electricity to this building will ensure it becomes a place where women can stay, knowing that they have some additional safety, all in a sustainable and affordable manner.