| PROGRAMS
: BATWA Training |
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| Training and Job Creation |
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| Much of the population of Eastern Lowland
Gorillas exists within the borders of Kahuzi Biega National
Park in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The
protection and environmental integrity of the park is
critical to their survival The indigenous people, the
Batwa (Pygmies), were moved from their forest home when
the park was created and now live just outside the park
boundaries. Many rely on the park’s natural resources
for food, firewood and income through hunting. Poaching
of wildlife, including gorillas, for sale in a growing
retail market is sometimes their only option for survival.
Preventing depletion of the park’s resources
and wildlife is therefore linked to job creation and
economic stability. |
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| The Batwa Sewing Project |
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|  The
Pole Pole Foundation assists Batwa (Pygmy) women living
in the vicinity of the park through a sewing project
which provides training in dressmaking skills. When
the sewing machines for this project were looted during
the ongoing civil war, Canadian Ape Alliance replaced
the machines and provided funds to re-establish the
project. The number of training centres and women participating
in the project has increased steadily since it began.
At present, 24 women are participating in this program.
Priority now is to develop markets for the products
produced. Also, women are encouraged in starting small
businesses and assisted with small business loans.
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| Artisanal Crafts |
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 Similarly,
the sale of wood carvings and embroidery done by Bantu
and Batwa men and women provides income to those who
may have formerly been poachers in the park. Pole Pole
Foundation has established workshops and provides training
in artisanal techniques. Carvings usually depict wildlife,
particularly gorillas, found in the park.
Currently, 18 artists are employed in this program.
Canadian Ape Alliance is assisting with this program
by finding markets for the carvings.
They are also available from our online
store.
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| Farming |
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The Pole Pole Foundation has rented 20 hectares  of
land and provided seeds (corn and bean) and tools to 40
Batwa households in Kalehe. They have also distributed
134 goats and chickens to Batwa and Bantu women in three
different villages around the park. |
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