My family is from Faradje, Congo. The schools in Faradje were very poor and the elders believed that only boys should study. My father disagreed . We moved to Aru so that I could attend school. Today, my husband and I value education for all three of our children in the same way that my father did for me.

Graduated: February 2015

My family is from Kerekere, Congo. My father has two wives and sixteen children. Since I am one of the oldest, it is my responsibility to help care for my younger brothers and sisters. I am very proud of my work with the cooperative. I built my own home with the money I earned. I also became a leader in my community because of the opportunities provided to me by Totonga Bomoi.

Graduated: February 2015

My family is from Etopi, Congo. I missed several years of schooling to care for my nieces and nephews after my oldest brother died. When I attended our first cooperative meeting in 2014, I was eager to learn. One year later, I purchased my first sewing machine.

Graduated: February 2015

My family is from Olebo, Congo. My mom and dad are teachers in a nearby village. The cooperative has blessed my life in many ways. This is my first time using the computer and registering for Facebook. I have also learned how to Google search for new fashion ideas. I love sewing!

Graduated: February 2015

My family is from Abiko-Rinyi, Congo. Families in my village work very hard to send their children to study in other towns because of Abiko-Rinyi's poor education system. It's a hard life to stay in our village because there is no work other than agriculture. In 2015, during our Business Training in Aru, I learned how important it is to share ideas with each other and talk about our dreams for the future.

Graduated: February 2015

My family is from Mansala, Congo. Our village is poorly organized and the villagers are not well-oriented in farming. Men do not care properly for their land and families suffer from hunger. I was married in 2014 and had my first son, Benjamin. We were able to build a home from the money that I earned through our cooperative.

My family is from Aba, Congo. I was raised by my uncle because my father died when I was very young. All my life, I worked with my aunt and uncle in the fields. Our cooperative has opened my eyes and it has helped my community in many ways. I want to thank all of my customers who have helped me to create a brighter future.

Graduated: February 2015

I live in Aru with my husband and three children. We are blessed to care for several orphaned children in our village. My husband runs an electronics store and I am a sewing teacher. I love supporting the women in my village as they improve their sewing.

Graduated: February 2015

My husband and I have two children. We also care for the five children of my husband’s brother after his death. My husband teaches in Aru and is very proud of our cooperative. He always says, "I'm so happy for my wife. She is able to meet with women and work together. She will learn from others and help them too. The cooperative is very good for our community. For too many years we have lived in war and violence and the poverty is terrible. When we cooperate and work together, we can improve our lives."

Graduated: February 2015

- In 2017, Jeannine died from complications giving birth. Her daughter died the following day.

My family is from Rodo, Congo. My mother died when I was nine years old. My father remarried and tardes goods across the Ituri District. I am thankful to be part of the cooperative and plan to use my earnings to build a better future for myself and my family.

I grew up in Aru, Congo with my parents and five brothers and sisters. I studied Business Management at the local university. I am proud to be part of Totonga Bomoi because of the development it brings to our community. It motivates me to use my knowledge to help others. I am able to use my understanding of computers and social media to help our artisans.