Village children holding up the exercise books provided by Espace OPOKO

Defend rights.Strengthen communities.Build an inclusive future.

Espace OPOKO works alongside indigenous peoples and vulnerable communities in the Republic of Congo to promote their rights, their access to essential services and their participation in development.

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We have just been granted United Nations consultative status

We are

UNESCO
Member of the Congolese National Commission for UNESCO
RENAPA
Member of the National Network of Indigenous Peoples of Congo
REPALEAC
Member of the Network of Indigenous and Local Populations for the Sustainable Management of Central African Forest Ecosystems

We believe no community should be left behind.

Pupils raising their hands in a packed classroom

Since 2012

Espace OPOKO was born from a simple observation: in Congo, indigenous peoples remain the furthest from school, healthcare and the recognition of their rights. We work with them, in their villages, to build lasting answers together.

Our story

What remains to be won

Access to school
Distance, missing civil records and discrimination still keep many indigenous children out of class.
Access to care
In isolated settlements, the nearest health centre is often several days’ walk away.
Land rights
The forest feeds families, yet their use rights are rarely recognised in writing.

Findings to be documented with Espace OPOKO sources.

What we do

Six fields of action, one standard: dignity.

Community members gathered in an assembly under the trees

01
Indigenous peoples’ rights
Raising awareness of and enforcing the 2011 law on the rights of indigenous peoples, from civil registration to access to justice.
Explore this area : Indigenous peoples’ rights
02
Education
Enrolment, retention and success of indigenous children and youth, with teaching that respects their language and culture.
Explore this area : Education
03
Health
Bringing basic care closer to remote villages: vaccination, maternal health, prevention and fighting malnutrition.
Explore this area : Health
04
Environment
Protecting the forest communities depend on and valuing their knowledge in sustainable natural resource management.
Explore this area : Environment
05
Community development
Income-generating activities, cooperatives and training so families gain economic independence.
Explore this area : Community development
06
Human rights and social inclusion
Fighting discrimination and ensuring communities take part in the decisions that affect them.
Explore this area : Human rights and social inclusion

Residents of an indigenous camp dancing in front of their homes

Focus

Indigenous peoples at the heart of our work

In Congo, indigenous peoples’ rights are recognised by Law No. 5-2011. Between the text and daily life, the gap remains vast. We tackle it through what concretely changes a life: a birth certificate, a place at school, health follow-up.

Nothing is decided without communities: every project starts by listening, in the local language, and involves settlement chiefs, families, schools and authorities.