Raising Dignity was born out of the efforts and needs surrounding Cori-Anna College, located in the remote village of Elemyonga in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The organization was established to formalize the growing interest in how people can help support the women and children in this region. Our mission is to raise the dignity of every woman and child connected to Cori-Anna College.

Whether it’s providing Dignity Kits and health education for women or offering children access to essential resources such as food, shelter, education, and primary healthcare, Raising Dignity is committed to making a tangible difference.

We aim to fill the gaps in services and support that the local village is struggling to address.

For many years, Tabi Sango and Umbe Bwisengo had been supporting their home village in Elemyonga, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa. To further this effort, they established the charity ABCD in the DRC, enabling them to continue their support from Australia.

Tabi began searching for ways to assist the abandoned women and children in her hometown, which led to the creation of Raising Dignity and Cori-anna College.

Since then, a group of like-minded individuals have organized fundraisers and volunteer sewing days to support the efforts of Tabi and Umbe. What started as a small idea has since grown into Raising Dignity.

Before the establishment of the Cori-Anna College community, these young children had no home, food, family, or hope for a better future.

Their daily struggle involved seeking shelter in the jungle, stealing or begging for food, and living in constant fear of being preyed upon due to their vulnerability.

Today, they have access to two meals a day, regular schooling, a safe place to sleep, medical care, clothing, and a community that views them as a gift—not a problem.

History and the Need for Dignity:

Sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), contributing to a long history of unrest, instability, and the theft of dignity. In 2020, MSF teams treated 10,810 people for sexual violence across six of the DRC’s 26 provinces. Of these, 20 percent were under 18 years old. These figures only reflect those who reported the incidents, and the DRC is considered the worst affected country in the world for sexual violence.

When Tabi learned of this suffering in her home village, she quickly realized that she could pair the street children with ostracized mothers, creating a supportive community for both groups.

This initiative has empowered our Malaika Mummas to reclaim their dignity. We provide them with access to primary healthcare, shelter, emotional support, and essentials such as food and basic resources.

This transformation is possible with your support. For as little as $30 AUD per month per family, you can help make this difference. Through our educational programs, the Malaika Mummas are now shaping their own futures. Many have gained enough confidence to attend university, while others provide childcare for the Wtoto. A few have even started their own businesses, utilizing skills in sewing and soap-making they’ve acquired through our programs.

Clothing plays a vital role in the well-being and education of schoolchildren, providing not only protection from the elements but also a sense of dignity and belonging.

For many children, having access to proper clothing boosts their confidence, helping them feel valued and that they truly belong in their educational environment.

When children are well-dressed, it signals that someone cares for their needs and is watching over them, whether it's parents, teachers, or community members.

In Brisbane, churches came together to sew over 200 sets of clothing. These items were distributed in the village, providing children with appropriate clothing, babies with nappies, women with sanitation packs, and each child with underwear.

The overwhelming interest in our Dignity Dresses project inspired us to become a registered charity. Although we are successfully registered under Australian guidelines, we are still in the process of applying for tax-deductible status. While the DRC faces heavy sanctions, we are actively working on this application.

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Raising Dignity Supports the Health and Well-being of the Village in Several Ways:

Soaps and Hygiene Education:

We ensure a regular supply of soap and/or ingredients for soap-making, along with instructions on personal hygiene.

Nundu Hospital Partnership:

We support the local Nundu Hospital, the only medical facility in the area. Though it is small and has limited supplies, it provides essential healthcare services to the children of Cori-Anna College and the Malaika Mummas, including general health care, a maternity ward, and ongoing support.

We are actively working toward purchasing mattresses and beds for the hospital to improve its capacity and comfort for patients.

Women’s Sanitation:

Access to women's sanitation kits in the DRC is crucial for promoting health and dignity.

Many women and girls in rural or underserved areas face challenges such as limited access to menstrual hygiene products, leading to missed school days, decreased productivity, and even health issues like infections.

To address this, we have created washable sanitation packs, provided underwear, and distributed wash bags. These efforts help ensure that women can manage their menstrual health with dignity, preventing the shame and social exclusion many face without these essential supplies.