In the Tshopo province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, an innovative project called the Agricultural and Rural Governance, Integration and Training Support Project (GIFT) is changing the game in the agricultural education sector. This program, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) to the tune of €10 million and implemented by ENABEL, aims to revolutionize the way in which agricultural school students acquire practical and sustainable skills for their professional integration.
Since its launch in March 2022, the GIFT project has focused on building the capacities of agricultural school teachers. The latter benefit from training focused on innovative and practical agricultural techniques, thus enabling students to acquire concrete know-how to succeed in the job market.
Within the Simi Simi Agricultural Institute, Prefect Esakalonga Etokala Joseph testifies to the significant progress made possible by the GIFT project. Thanks to new agricultural practices taught to students, they are now able to engage in lucrative agricultural activities, such as market gardening. Techniques such as agroforestry have also been highlighted, promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
The GIFT project does not only train students, it also aims to improve the governance of agricultural institutes, guarantee quality education, facilitate the professional integration of learners and develop services adapted to local needs. In addition, the program is committed to disseminating the knowledge acquired in rural communities, thus contributing to local socio-economic development and the development of the community.
Ntema Prosper, Provincial Coordinator of ENABEL, underlines the importance of collaboration with partners to strengthen the agricultural training network in the DRC. The GIFT project is now part of the FAR network, bringing together agricultural schools on an international scale.
Ultimately, the GIFT Project represents a real lever for development for agricultural education in the DRC, offering students practical and sustainable learning opportunities, while contributing to the promotion of environmentally friendly agriculture.