About the project
Credits and acknowledgements
This website is a tribute to the strength, dignity, and joy of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Esengo—Lingala for “joy”—represents more than a fleeting emotion, it embodies the resilience of communities that continue to rebuild their lives despite adversity. Through powerful storytelling and photography, this website captures the lives of those shaping their futures with courage and determination.
Rooted in WFP’s global brand, this website upholds a unified and powerful representation of WFP’s work, thanks to the efforts of both the WFP global team and the DRC communications team. Their dedication ensured that the identity and mission of WFP remained at the core, reinforcing the message of resilience and hope.
At the heart of this book is visual storytelling, made possible by the work of Arlette Bashizi and Michael Castofas, two Congolese photographers whose lenses captured the raw beauty, strength, and determination of the people whose lives are featured in these pages. Their images offer a profound glimpse into daily life, highlighting the resilience of communities rebuilding their futures.
From typography to layout, every visual element was meticulously crafted to reflect the essence of these stories. This website is a testament to the power of storytelling, a tribute to the people of the DRC, and a celebration of their unwavering spirit.
This website is dedicated to the people of the DRC, whose resilience continues to inspire.
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Credits
© World Food Programme
Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2025
Production
WFP DRC Communications Team Eric Perdison - Regional Director, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) Shelley Thakral - Head of Communications and Media, WFP DRC
Photography
Arlette Bashizi Michael Castofas
Design & Development
Domestic Data Streamers
Acknowledgements
This website was made possible thanks to the generous support of WFP’s donors, whose contributions fund the wide range of programmes featured in these pages. We extend our gratitude to:
Belgium – Partner in Development, Education Cannot Wait, Equity BCDC, European Union, German Humanitarian Assistance, Government of Canada, Government of France, Government of Japan, Government of South Africa, Government of Sweden, Grain From Ukraine, KFW (German Development Bank), KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), Mastercard Foundation, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Swiss Confederation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, UK Aid, United Nations CERF (Central Emergency Response Fund), UPS, USAID (United States Agency for International Development), WFP Multilateral Funds, World Bank Group.
Our thanks also to our partners who we work closely with every day to make sure the most vulnerable have the support they need.
ACTIONAID, Action et Interventions pour le Développement et l’Encadrement Social, Action pour le Développement Communautaire de Base, AJEDEC, Appui aux femmes démunies et enfants marginalisés, BDC-M, BDCA, BUREAU DE DEVELOPPEMENT COMMUNAUTAIRE / 26e COMMUNAUTE METHODISTE LIBRE, Bureau de Développement Communautaire Anglican, CARITAS DEV. UVIRA, CARITAS GOMA, Centre d’Appui au Développement Rural et à la Sécurité Alimentaire, CONGO NOUVEAU ET PROSPERE, Consortium Congo Handicap et Action Communautaire pour le Développement Durable, Groupe de Recherche et d’Appui aux Interventions Intégrées de la Nutrition en Santé, Institut de Commerce de GOMA, Institut National de la Statistique, Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural du Grand Lac, INTERSOS, Ligue Anti-Chômage (LAC asbl), Ministère Provincial de l’Agriculture, PAP RDC, Université de GOMA, VIPATU, Vijana Ya Panda Tujengeni, WORLD VISION INTERNATIONAL (WVI).