Centre d’Encadrement des Jeunes pour le Development d’Uvira - Cejdu Asbl

We learned of the unfathomable suffering endured by the people of Uvira on March 26, 2020. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. PAPY Seruka, a US-Congolese advocate, businessman, and community leader, set out on a life-changing adventure through the villages of Uvira Territory, South Kivu, and we took the joyful initiative to establish a non-profit organization. I felt compelled to act after seeing firsthand the severe suffering brought on by decades of war, displacement, and unstable economies.

Eastern D.R. Congo has experienced persistent instability since the 1996 wars, driven by competition for mineral resources like cobalt, a crucial component of electric vehicle batteries. The overuse of these resources has caused social unrest, increased poverty, and prevented many young people from accessing education and opportunities for a better future.

Moved by the resilience and potential of the youth despite these harsh conditions, CEJDU Asbl was founded with a mission to restore hope, dignity and opportunity to those most affected.
 

MISSION:  

Through significant projects that tackle a range of social and economic issues, CEJDU ASBL is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of women, youth, and marginalized communities

We focus on empowering young people, providing education and skills, and promoting civic engagement and leadership developments, economic empowerment, health and well-being, environmental sustainability, support and guidance...

Why This Is Important to Us

In South Kivu, poverty, discrimination, and a lack of opportunity affect thousands every day. Our team is made up of people who have lived these realities—we’ve seen children drop out of school due to poverty, LGBTQ+ individuals face violence and rejection, and widows struggle to feed their families. This isn’t just charity—it’s personal. We believe that every person deserves dignity, safety, and the opportunity to thrive.

One of our founders grew up in Uvira, South Kivu where her widowed mother supported five children alone, sewing clothes to survive. That lived experience fuels our work today: to train, empower, and uplift women, youth, and marginalized people so that future generations have a different story to tell.

Impact of Donations (Metrics)

• A donation of $100 supports emergency food and hygiene kits for youth, women and marginalize communities in crisis.
• In 2024, thanks to donor support youth by opened funds library with 32 computers, youth learn skills, open to the world...
• We have reached over 106 women in the last two years through our workshops, literacy classes and microgrants. 84% of them are now generating income and support their own families.