7 youth enrolled and tools secured for the farming program in Mbankomo

The Restoring Soil and Livelihoods project has made strong progress over the past two weeks, despite heavy rains that slowed transportation and site access. Our team successfully completed critical pre-design assessments at the Mbankomo Permanent Site, ensuring the Wandusoa Learning Ecological Centre will reflect the local context and support regenerative farming. These steps are vital in creating a space where marginalised youth, especially internally displaced girls, can grow as regenerative farmers and entrepreneurs.

We’ve enrolled 7 participants for the October 2025 cohort so far, including 5 scholarship recipients supported by Kwanda, from internally displaced backgrounds. With a maximum of 20 participants, we’re actively working to fill the remaining spots by the end of the month. Notably, this cohort includes the first participants from the Ngoumou and Mbankomo communities, marking a key moment in deepening local engagement.

Our collaboration with Journeyman International and architect Cédric Delbeke remains strong, with a shared commitment to designing a culturally resonant and eco-friendly learning centre. This partnership is key to ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability and community ownership.

Heavy rainfall delayed transport and limited site access, but we adjusted work schedules to stay on track. Tool procurement also faced delays, which we addressed by sourcing locally and planning for future supply needs.

Next Steps:

• Finalise the Pre-Design Questionnaire

• Complete participant enrollment

• Prepare orientation materials for the October cohort