This project has been designed to address the major socio-economic challenges faced by communities within the project intervention area. These challenges are characterized by high levels of poverty, low household purchasing power, limited access to essential social services, and a fragile local economy that relies heavily on subsistence agriculture and small-scale fishing.

To provide a sustainable response to these challenges, the project will adopt an integrated approach aimed at strengthening the economic and social resilience of the target communities. Particular attention will be given to the prevention and reduction of gender-based violence (GBV), especially violence against women and girls. The project will also promote the establishment of safe spaces, strengthen the socio-economic empowerment of women, youth, and vulnerable households, and foster social cohesion through the active participation and support of partner churches.

Project activities will be implemented in the hills of Rutumo, Minago, Kagongo, Mwange, Rumonge, and Mutambara.

Following the completion of the baseline assessment and the Envisioning workshop involving religious and community leaders, the project has entered its capacity-building phase. In this context, a training session for facilitators of the Church and Community Mobilisation Process (CCMP) was conducted for representatives from the selected local churches. These facilitators will, in turn, train other members of their churches and communities to ensure local ownership of the programme, strengthen community capacities, and promote the sustainable implementation of project interventions.