2019 Opus Prize Laureate
BON PASTEUR
KOLWEZI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
In 2012, Sr. Catherine started the organization in the Democratic Republic of Congo after being invited by the local bishop to come to the city of Kolwezi to work with widows and orphans. Sr. Catherine first listened to the community and within 10 months developed a five-year plan which focused on addressing:
Alternative livelihoods to mining, including farming
Gender violence and the physical abuse of children
Child protection policies and schooling for children
Civic strengthening given the “gold rush” environment of the mining entities
Among the many successes in the seven years since her arrival is the enrollment of 2,899 children in school today.
