Our Work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Library Project supports small local nonprofit organizations working to improve children’s literacy. We provide practical support, mentoring, and access to tools that help organizations strengthen their programs, communicate their work, and better serve the communities they support.

Local nonprofit organizations play an important role in expanding access to literacy resources, especially in communities where children have limited access to books, reading support, and educational opportunities. By strengthening these organizations, The Library Project helps build local capacity for long-term literacy impact.

Capacity Building allows local leaders to improve their programs, reach more children, and create stronger systems for delivering literacy support. This work helps ensure that organizations dedicated to children’s literacy have the guidance and resources they need to continue serving their communities. This support is always free of charge for the local nonprofit organization. It includes one-on-one mentoring, planning tools, fundraising guidance, program development support, and access to resources designed to help literacy organizations grow stronger and more sustainable.

Literacy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces a significant literacy and learning challenge. UNESCO’s International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa reports that learning poverty in the country is estimated at 97 percent, meaning that most children are unable to read and understand an age-appropriate text by age 10. The World Bank also notes that many schools face challenges related to overcrowded classrooms, limited teaching and learning materials, and the need for more qualified teachers.

Reading is the foundation for learning across all subjects. When children do not develop strong reading skills, they are more likely to fall behind, lose confidence, and face greater barriers to continuing their education.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, local literacy organizations play an important role in responding to these challenges. The Library Project supports this work by providing free Capacity Building to small local nonprofit organizations. Through one-on-one mentoring, planning tools, fundraising guidance, program development support, and practical resources, we help local literacy organizations strengthen their programs and reach more children over time.