THE RESPONSE 

Women of the Congo Evangelical Free Church (CECU) had a vision of practically addressing these needs while also sharing the deep love and hope of Christ. This vision led to the beginning of The Elikya Training Center for older orphans and widows in 2007. Elikya means “hope” in the local language of Lingala and the Center was started to do just that, bring hope. The Elikya Center is a CECU ministry in partnership with ReachGlobal, the International Mission of the Evangelical Free Church of America, EFCA.  

Elikya offers a wonderful opportunity for older orphans who are part of GlobalFingerprints, the child sponsorship program of the EFCA, to learn a life-giving trade and transition well into adulthood. Vulnerable widows also have the opportunity to have their lives changed here. The Center offers anywhere from ten months to two years of vocational training, along with basic life skills classes, Biblical studies, and literacy training. The vocational training includes sewing, masonry, carpentry, agriculture, mechanics, haircare, and soap making. The students live in housing provided at the Center where they experience the love and grace of Christ lived out in the lives of their teachers and fellow students.