discover our ecosystem of empowerment
Jump to:
Malaika School • Community Center • Water & Health • Agriculture & Nutrition • Vocational Training • Sports
Jambo, welcome to Kalebuka, DRC!
A small but mighty dot on the map, Kalebuka is home to around 42,000 people. In the Munama quarter — where Malaika focuses its work — access to basic services is extremely limited, and only 4% of women can read and write.
Kalebuka is rich in resilience, full of pride, and powered by a strong sense of togetherness. It’s a place where education is deeply valued and where a new generation of girls is rising—ready to dream big and lead boldly.
At Malaika, we are dedicated to breaking through the interconnected barriers of poverty by building a holistic ecosystem of empowerment. Our work spans across six key pillars:
SCHOOL - COMMUNITY CENTER - SPORTS - VOCATIONAL TRAINING - AGRICULTURE - WATER & HEALTH
Each of these pillars is designed to work hand in hand — strengthening one another — to create lasting change. Together, they equip the community with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to thrive.
The malaika school
“I never imagined that studying was an option for me. I assumed i’d stay at home like all my siblings.”
- Agneau Kilolo, Malaika’s Class of ‘25 graduate
Today, according to UNESCO, 49.5 million girls in Sub-Saharan Africa are out of school. Founded in 2011, the Malaika School provides free primary and secondary education to 430 girls.
With daily classes taught in French and English, our robust curriculum covers math, science, information technology, the arts, and much more. At Malaika, we equip our girls with the belief that they can envision a brighter tomorrow and the resources needed to get there.
The proof is in the progress: three cohorts of young, gifted women have graduated, with 71 alumni now studying at university or working in local companies, some even on scholarships abroad.
OUR community center
“By the time I finished with the training, I opened a sewing workshop, and I started to earn money. Malaika helped me a lot. It awakened me.”
Educating a girl isn’t enough on its own. For her to truly thrive, her family and community need access to knowledge, opportunities, and support.
That insight inspired the creation of the Malaika Community Center, built in partnership with FIFA in 2013. Today, it’s a hub that serves over 6,000 youth and adults each year, offering free literacy and vocational classes, sports programs, and regular internet access.
Our Community Center truly equips families with the skills and pathways to build brighter futures, fueling the spirit of a community investing in itself.
agriculture & nutrition
“Growing our own food means nourishing young minds and teaching them the power of sustainability and independence.”
- Dominique, Malaika’s on-site Agronomist
In the DRC, poverty often means families have little access to food. At Malaika, we know that young minds need proper nourishment to grow, stay focused, and build confidence.
That’s why we grow organic fruit and vegetables on-site and provide two nutritious meals every school day for all our students and staff. Over the course of a school year, that adds up to more than 180,000 meals, fueling the next generation to learn and thrive.
WATER & HEALTH
“Before we had the well, we used to drink water from the river. Today, we have access to clean water right here in our community.”
In the DRC, preventable diseases like malaria and unsafe water put entire communities at risk. Malaika’s water and health initiatives have reached tens of thousands in Kalebuka and surrounding villages.
Since 2007, we’ve distributed over 12,000 mosquito nets, installed 32 wells serving 46,000 people, and run regular health checks for our students.
Our staff also leads hygiene campaigns, brings doctors and community leaders together for vaccine training — helping our community stay healthy.
vocational training
“Since I enrolled in the technical training program as an electrical engineer, i have hope for my future and I’m proud of the woman I’m becoming.”
Many young people remain trapped in a cycle of poverty due to limited access to practical skills. Malaika aims to change that by equipping them with the tools they need to build successful careers.
With support from the Caterpillar Foundation, we provide free, locally-led training in mechanics, plumbing, advanced IT, and more —strengthening the local workforce and reducing reliance on non-nationals in technical roles.
Since its launch in 2021, hundreds of young people have earned accredited certifications and kick-started their careers.