Fighting for Animals and Orphans in Conflict-Torn Congo
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, animals suffer without a voice, war leaves children without families, and environmental destruction threatens communities. Since 2018, FADPE has worked across North Kivu to protect animals, care for orphans, and teach plant-based living.
WHO WE ARE
The Forum of Friends of Development and Protection of the Environment (FADPE asbl.) is a Congolese nonprofit based in Goma, North Kivu. Since 2018, we've worked to protect animals and forests, promote plant-based living, and care for children affected by war. Our programs help communities live sustainably while addressing malnutrition, deforestation, and animal suffering.
WHAT WE DO
Vegan & Environmental Education
We work in schools and villages around Virunga National Park in Goma, Nyiragongo, and Masisi territories. Our program includes vegan lifestyle education and school lunch campaigns, establishing vegetable gardens in schools and communities, mobilizing communities to defend animal rights, and reforestation to fight climate change.
We teach communities to protect wild animals, report poaching, and respect the natural environment of the park.
Support for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children
Our plant-based orphanage (New Life Community Center/Caring for All Beings), opened March 2024, cares for children who lost parents to war and insecurity. The program includes nutritional support with three daily plant-based meals, plant-based lifestyle education, language and vocational training, psychological and social support, and sending some children to local or private schools.
Seed Distribution and Agricultural Training
We multiply and distribute vegetable and food seeds while training beneficiaries of our vegan lifestyle education program in agricultural techniques that don't involve animals.
Gender Equality and Peace Building
We raise awareness on fighting gender-based violence, promote positive masculinity, and facilitate community dialogue to prevent conflicts.
OUR IMPACT
Since 2018, we've reached hundreds of students through environmental education, organized DRC's first National Animal Rights Day, and now provide daily plant-based meals for children orphaned by conflict.
Public Awareness Events
