Camille and Esther from Un Jour Nouveau have been more than a little busy for the past 15 years since their return to DRC.
Today, their programming includes a primary school, leadership program, business training and startup support to young entrepreneurs, a library, gender-based violence prevention training for men, and so much more…
Needless to say, there are a LOT of people in and out of their buildings each day, including lots of hungry young people and kids.
The duo had an idea to help boost their existing programs and keep them running, while offering a lunchtime meal to fuel their students — an Un Jour Nouveau restaurant.
We loved the idea, and 365 pitched in to get the necessary supplies to get them started…basics like rice, flour, sugar, salt, and more. We got it in bulk, along with some meat and vegetables that will keep them going for a couple of weeks.
“Our plan is to get started and then keep the ball rolling from the profits,” said Esther. “This is a great way to add a little extra support to everything we’re doing.”
And…it’s working! Since the restaurant opened, Esther and Camille have already earned over $800 dollars in profits! Those funds will go back toward the restaurant and then be distributed to programming, as needed.
“This is a very successful project,” said Masudi from the ECI team. “It will help sustain them when they need some help.”
