Holistic Care
Maison Dorcas: Transitional Care and Training Facility
Maison Dorcas is a transit and community center in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), operated by Panzi Foundation. It serves as a crucial part of the Panzi Model, offering a safe space for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence to heal, rebuild, and regain independence. In addition to supporting survivors recovering from gynecological issues, Maison Dorcas also serves other vulnerable members of the community.
Survivors of Sexual Violence
Panzi Hospital established the Survivors of Sexual Violence Unit over two decades ago in response to the devastating prevalence of sexual violence in eastern Congo. This specialized unit embodies our holistic, trauma-informed approach to care, offering survivors a sanctuary for medical, emotional, and social healing while empowering them to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Program & Services
Maison Dorcas offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at helping survivors rebuild their lives. These include:
Vocational Training
Survivors can receive training in various trades such as carpentry, leatherwork, IT, entrepreneurship, tailoring, and finance.
Literacy & Numeracy
Many women who come to Maison Dorcas (including our Library) also participate in literacy and numeracy training to further enhance their economic opportunities.
Life Skills
Training in essential life skills helps survivors navigate personal and professional challenges after reintegrating into society.
Childcare & Education
While mothers undergo training, their children receive care and education, allowing them to focus on their own healing and skill development without worry.
Economic Networks
Survivors gain access to community resources such as Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), where they can save money and receive microloans to start businesses. They also benefit from connections to production and sales outlets, where they can sell goods they’ve produced.
Safe Accommodation
Survivors staying at Maison Dorcas are provided with accommodation, meals, and basic needs while they undergo training. Residency at Maison Dorcas can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the survivor’s circumstances and progress.
Maison Dorcas Library
Fostering a love of reading & learning
The newly established library at Maison Dorcas is more than just a collection of books—it is a beacon of empowerment for the children and beneficiaries who call our center home. This dedicated space nurtures a culture of learning and curiosity, providing access to educational resources that can transform lives.
For children, the library offers a safe, engaging environment where they can explore stories that inspire and expand their imaginations, while for survivors and residents, it serves as a vital tool for personal growth, skill-building, and literacy. By fostering a love of reading and learning, the library empowers our community to dream bigger, gain new knowledge, and build a foundation for a more hopeful and independent future.
With each passing day, the desire to continue to live sparkled in Sarah’s eyes and it was she who encouraged the medical staff not to lose hope.
Our impact across the DRC
Since its inception in 2004, Maison Dorcas has transformed the lives of thousands of survivors and other vulnerable women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
people in transitional housing in 2023, including 48 children
vocational training graduates in 2023
members of small business incubators in 2023
A Pathway to Empowerment & Independence
Maison Dorcas plays a vital role within the broader Panzi Model by addressing the long-term needs of survivors. Through its programs, survivors not only recover from trauma but also gain the tools they need to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. By fostering economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods, Maison Dorcas helps survivors break free from the cycle of poverty and stigma, reclaim their dignity, and contribute to the restoration of their communities.
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