We all have a stake in protecting the Congo Basin rainforest.

Second in size only to the Amazon, it provides environmental benefits to all of humanity and protecting it is critical to avoiding a climate disaster. Over half the remaining Congo Basin rainforest is in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). ​

​Decades of rainforest conservation efforts around the world have taught us that comprehensive and lasting change depends on local community engagement and leadership.

---

Congo Education Partners (CEP) was established in 2013 to build the capacity of Djolu Technical College (DTC). DTC is the only accredited technical college providing programs in agricultural and environmental science in Tshuapa Province, a remote and poverty-stricken region the size of England that encompasses vast swaths of intact rainforest and all or part of five nature reserves.   

The College, founded and led by Congolese,  is a regional center for excellence in education, research, and community outreach in sustainable agriculture, forest conservation, and nursing and public health.

Take a virtual journey to Djolu with Pappy Orion

Our Approach

What We Do

CEP is headquartered in North Carolina's Research Triangle, USA, and works in partnership with Vie Sauvage, the Congolese nongovernmental organization that founded and oversees Djolu Technical College and the Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve. 
​
CEP focuses on supporting, advising, and advocating for Djolu Technical College. We support:

• faculty salaries
• scholarships and mentoring for women students
• scholarships for faculty to obtain advanced scientific training
• transforming campus buildings to solar power
• capacity building for the College’s agricultural extension services and outreach programs 
• construction and rehabilitation of College buildings including classrooms and the computer center

CEP is excited to report that we received a $40,000 matching gift from Planet Women, who we are proud to partner with since 2021. Planet Women is a nonprofit that works to transform the culture of conservation by centering women and marginalized communities. ​Click on the image to find out more.

Learn about CEP's work in 3 minutes!

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Albert Lotana Lokasola, founder of Djolu Technical College, defended his dissertation, Diversity and Biogeography of Lacertilians in the Central Congolese Cuvette, and graduated with great distinction from the University of Kisangani on November 19, 2022!

More news about CEP

/

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

I have been donating to Congo Education Partners for a number of years and, having been steeped in 'Aid & Development' for many more years, I can honestly say that CEP and Djolu Technical College it supports in the DRC are doing a great job with the funds that have been entrusted to them. I have no doubt that a cadre of professional and committed graduates from the college will positively impact their spheres of influence and be a force for positive change in DRC.

Leanne Hankey, Donor

/

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

/

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

When I first learned of CEP I was so impressed with their mission and Djolu Technical College (DTC) my family established a scholarship. Since then I have become more involved and continue to be impressed with the global impact this small group is making with little fanfare and minimal resources. ​

Rick Leone, CEP Board Member

Board  Member

/

CEP

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

/

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Congo Education Partner is a lifeline to the next generation of climate defenders in Congo. I give to this organization because its activities directly tackle an acute need -- educating youth to protect the forests that will sustain them. At a time when so many climate causes are far removed from the front lines of action, Congo Education Partners takes us where action truly matters.

Wardaku, Donor

/

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

• 0
• 1
• 2