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Our Story

Born From Crisis,
Built For Community

A Congolese-led organization rising from the heart of one of the world's most severe humanitarian emergencies — to deliver lasting hope.

Our Origin

Why Wokovuway Exists

Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province in eastern DRC, has experienced decades of armed conflict. M23, FDLR, and dozens of other armed groups have displaced millions of people — many of whom live in overcrowded camps with no access to clean water, schools, or medical care.

Wokovuway — meaning "The Way of Salvation" in Swahili — was founded by local community leaders who refused to wait for outside solutions. We believe the people of Goma have the knowledge, resilience, and dignity to rebuild — they simply need resources and support.

From our first water well in 2012 to our expanded programs serving 10+ communities today, we have grown by staying rooted in local leadership and community trust.

See Our Programs
2012

Year Founded

100%

Congolese-Led

Our Foundation

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission

To empower conflict-affected communities in Goma through integrated, community-led programs in education, clean water, health, and women's empowerment — building resilience from within.

Our Vision

A Goma where every family has access to education, clean water, and healthcare — where women lead and children thrive, regardless of conflict or displacement.

Our Values

  • Community-first approach
  • Radical transparency
  • Dignity in every interaction
  • Local leadership always
  • Sustainable, lasting change
Our Growth

Milestones & Achievements

2012

Foundation & First Well

Wokovuway founded by community leaders in Goma. Our first clean water well installed in Lushagala camp, serving 800 displaced families.

2014

Education Program Launch

Opened our first community school in Ndosho with 120 students and 4 trained teachers. Scholarship fund established for displaced children.

2016

Women's Empowerment Initiative

Launched vocational training and microfinance for 150 women in Goma. Partnership established with MenEngage Africa on gender equality.

2019

Mobile Health Clinic Network

Deployed 3 mobile health clinics across North Kivu, providing maternal care, vaccinations, and emergency medicine to remote communities.

2022

UNFPA & US Embassy Partnership

Secured formal partnerships with UNFPA and the US Embassy in Kinshasa to scale health and women's empowerment programs across 10 communities.

2025

Crisis Response — M23 Conflict

As M23 captured Goma in January 2025, displacing 500,000+, Wokovuway activated emergency response — distributing water, food, and medical aid to displaced families.

Our People

Leadership Team

Led entirely by Congolese professionals who know these communities firsthand.

Darelle Bagula

Founder & Director

Born in Goma, Jean-Pierre has led Wokovuway since its founding, bringing 15+ years of humanitarian experience across North Kivu.

Nathalis Bahidika

Program Manager

A public health expert and women's rights advocate, Marie-Claire oversees all four program pillars with deep field experience.

Vedaste Malekera

Outreach Coordinator

Emmanuel coordinates all on-the-ground activities across 10 communities, ensuring programs reach the most vulnerable families.

Accountability

Transparency & Trust

We publish annual reports, financial statements, and program evaluations. Every donor deserves to know their impact.

Annual Reports

Detailed impact reports published every year, available to the public

Financial Audits

Independent third-party audits of all financial accounts annually

Community Oversight

Community advisory boards review all programs each quarter

Donor Privacy

All donor information is protected and never sold or shared

How Your Donation Is Used

Direct Program Delivery82%
Field Operations & Staff11%
Administration & Reporting7%

Our Partners & Affiliates

MenEngage US Embassy MSF UNFPA