Association of Volunteers for the Reconciliation and Development of Communities (AVRD-PGL) is a nonprofit organization working to empower girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through education and leadership development. The organization’s mission is to equip girls with the tools they need to overcome challenges, such as early marriage and violence against women and girls. Through scholarships, capacity building, and awareness campaigns, AVRD-PGL empowers girls to grow as leaders and advocate for their rights and the rights of others.
In many parts of the DRC, girls face deeply entrenched challenges that limit their ability to thrive. Early marriage is a widespread practice that often disrupts girls’ education. These issues are compounded by high rates of violence, lack of access to quality education, and social norms that discourage girls from pursuing leadership roles. As a result, many girls grow up without the opportunity to make decisions about their own futures or to participate fully in their communities.
With support from the Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund, AVRD-PGL will implement a comprehensive project to address some of the root causes of gender inequality in the DRC. AVRD-PGL will provide scholarships and educational resources to keep girls in school; deliver leadership training to help girls find their voice; and run public awareness campaigns to shift harmful attitudes around early marriage and gender roles. In addition, the organization will train local leaders and stakeholders to become champions for girls’ rights and education, reinforcing a community-wide culture of support.
The project will reach approximately 1,000 girls and community members. Through this work, AVRD-PGL aims to foster sustainable change by building a generation of educated, confident, and empowered young women. In the long-term, the organization seeks to create a ripple effect of change by promoting girls’ rights and leadership across the DRC.
To learn more about AVRD-PGL, please visit the organization’s website.
See more projects: Africa, Child Marriage, Education, Leadership & Life Skills Development