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About us
An organisation committed to indigenous children and youth in Congo.
Since 2012, Espace Opoko has worked for a fairer society, where every indigenous child has access to quality education, real opportunities and a dignified future.
“Every child has the right to dream and build their future.”
Our story
A commitment born from a clear-eyed observation
Espace Opoko was founded in 2012 in response to the persistent inequalities affecting indigenous peoples in Congo, particularly in access to education, health, economic opportunity and recognition of their rights.
We firmly believe that education, cultural recognition and social inclusion are essential levers for breaking the cycle of poverty and discrimination.
Our mission, vision and values.
Our mission
To offer real opportunities for education, personal growth and independence to indigenous children and youth in Congo.
Our vision
An inclusive society where indigenous peoples fully take part in Congo’s development.
Our values
- Respect for cultures and identities
- Equity and inclusion
- Transparency and accountability
- Community engagement
- Lasting impact
Our journey
Milestones in our evolution
2012
Espace Opoko is founded
2013–2015
First education programmes
2016–2018
Expansion into new areas
2019–2021
Stronger programmes and partnerships
2022–2024
Concrete results and success stories
2025
A renewed ambition for greater impact
Our approach
We support a journey, not just a school year
From childhood to employment, we stand alongside young indigenous people at every stage of their journey.
01
Primary school
Getting off to a good start
- School kits (supplies, uniforms)
- Learning support and regular follow-up
- Raising awareness among families and communities
02
Lower secondary
Ensuring continuity
- Supplies and school fees
- Accommodation where needed (boarding schools)
- Guidance and mentoring
- Psychosocial support
03
Upper secondary
Preparing for the future
- School fees and materials
- Accommodation (boarding schools)
- Career guidance and mentoring
- Psychosocial support and academic follow-up
04
University or vocational training
Gaining skills to take action
- Partial coverage of tuition fees
- Student housing
- Personalised follow-up and support
- Internships and work experience
05
Employment
Turning skills into opportunities
- Job search support
- Connections to opportunities (businesses, NGOs, public sector)
- Follow-up of former beneficiaries
- Showcasing journeys and role models
Accommodation solutions
Boarding schools and student housing where needed.
Support for living conditions
Access to adequate food and a stable environment.
A supported journey today, opportunities for tomorrow.
Working as close as possible to communities
We work closely with indigenous communities, families, schools, local authorities and our partners to co-design solutions adapted to realities on the ground.
Listening to and involving communities
Local and international partnerships
Integrated, lasting approach
Monitoring and evaluating results
Our team.
Close to the communities we serve
Espace Opoko relies on a team of coordinators, local managers, volunteers and community relays working directly with children, families, schools and local authorities.
To follow up beneficiaries and deliver our programmes, we have set up offices in strategic areas.
- A committed team
- Partners by our side
- Action on the ground
- Lasting impact for children
Our offices
Ouesso
Sangha
- Coordinating and monitoring programmes in the Sangha (Mokeko and surroundings)
- Relations with schools, families and local authorities
- Following up beneficiaries in the area
Sibiti
Lékoumou
- Departmental coordination for the Lékoumou
- Programme supervision
- Academic follow-up and coordination with schools
- Running and monitoring the Sibiti boarding school
Bambama
Lékoumou
- Direct follow-up of children and families
- Relations with schools and communities
- Identifying needs and supporting local activities
Brazzaville
National coordination
- Steering programmes
- Institutional partnerships
- Following up students
- Mobilising resources
- Coordinating with the other offices
Pointe-Noire
Mobilisation and local follow-up
- Mobilising partners and donors
- Collecting supplies
- Supporting beneficiary follow-up in the area
Mahajanga
Espace Opoko Madagascar
- Programmes delivered by a Malagasy team
- Adapting to local realities
- Mobilising partners
- Following up children and families
- Better follow-up of pupils
- Effective programme delivery
- Solutions adapted to local realities
- More lasting impact in communities
Closer today, for a better tomorrow.
Partners.
Union européenne
AFD
UNESCO
UNICEF
Banque mondiale
Rainforest Foundation
Gouvernement de la République du Congo
List to be confirmed. Official logos to be supplied by each partner.
How we are organised
Governance.
Espace OPOKO is an association under Congolese law. The general assembly elects a voluntary board, which oversees the executive team and approves the accounts.
Names and roles to be supplied.
Level 01
General assembly
Brings together the association’s members, who elect the board.
elects
Level 02
Board
A volunteer board that oversees the executive team and approves the accounts.
NP
Nom Prénom
Chair of the board
NP
Nom Prénom
Treasurer
NP
Nom Prénom
Secretary general
oversees and approves the accounts
Level 03
Management and staff
Delivers the programmes with the field teams.
NP
Nom Prénom
Executive director
NP
Nom Prénom
Programme manager
NP
Nom Prénom
Finance and admin manager
NP
Nom Prénom
Monitoring & evaluation officer
NP
Nom Prénom
Likouala field coordinator
runs
Level 04
Field offices
Close to children, families and schools.
- Ouesso
- Sibiti
- Bambama
- Brazzaville
- Pointe-Noire
- Mahajanga
Together, for a more inclusive Congo.
Join us in supporting the education, growth and independence of indigenous children and youth.