Upholding Dignity, Developing Potential
est. 2019 / Kinshasa
Our Vision
LOKUMU was born from a desire to help Congolese women and children break the vicious, perpetuating cycle of extreme poverty. Doing so requires a comprehensive model that not only provides resources, but restores dignity and develops potential. Through business training, targeted financial aid with accountability, long-term, Christ-centered mentorship, and wrap-around support for children, LOKUMU will equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the means to break this cycle and change their story--for themselves, and future generations.
The model
LOKUMU is designed to be a 12-month program, beginning with a Business Essentials training course that utilizes curriculum created by Alternativ Global Entrepreneurs. Upon graduation, students will begin 12 weeks of hands-on, individualized mentorship, with the goal of launching a business into the world. To ensure the highest rate of success, students will receive eight months of additional support. Women in the program can also apply for Young Scholars—assistance that will help cover tuition costs for school-aged children. To view a breakdown of these expenses, please visit our Support Lokumu page.
Meet Celeste
LOKUMU partners with Celeste Mata, president and founder of Grace-Caritas, an NGO in Kinshasa, DR Congo.
He specializes in business training, medicine, and education. Grace-Caritas has helped families acquire the supplies and skills necessary to start and run successful businesses. They provide school tuition for children, and they run a pharmacy that offers life-saving medicine to children who otherwise could not afford it.
Our partnership
A man of strong Christian faith and conviction, Celeste carries a heavy burden for the lost and the poor. Every day he witnesses the disastrous consequences of poverty—suffering, exploitation, abuse—and uses his meager resources to minister to those he can. He desires to help more and more people, and by partnering with his NGO, we will enable him to do just that.