Waste as a resource
The campaign supports the conversion of discarded plastic into eco-bricks and pavers, creating useful construction materials instead of pollution.
Turn plastic waste into jobs, dignity, and cleaner communities.
From Waste to Work is a Rescue Democracy International campaign that equips young people in Bukavu to transform plastic waste into eco-bricks, create income, and protect the environment through practical local action.
US$55,000
Target to equip, train, and support 12 youth eco-entrepreneur groups.
~80%
Youth unemployment in Bukavu, alongside severe environmental damage caused by plastic waste.
12 groups
Planned number of young eco-entrepreneur teams to be equipped and mentored.
About Rescue Democracy International
Rescue Democracy International (RDI) was founded in 2024 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening democratic values and promoting sustainable development in communities where democracy is under threat and populations face extreme social and economic vulnerability.
RDI works directly with local communities, empowering young leaders and civil society organizations so they can claim their rights, participate in democratic processes, and promote lasting change across regions facing instability, exclusion, and poverty.
The challenge in Bukavu
The playbook presents From Waste to Work as an urgent and transformative initiative in Bukavu, where youth unemployment is nearly 80% and plastic waste disposal is causing serious environmental damage. The campaign responds by connecting environmental recovery with employability and entrepreneurship.
Youth-led enterprise
Young people receive support to build practical livelihoods through production, training, and locally rooted business activity.
Community ripple effect
Cleaner streets and rivers, environmental education, and stronger local income opportunities can benefit families well beyond the direct participants.
How RDI works on the ground
RDI combines youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and support for social entrepreneurship. In Bukavu, the playbook highlights eco-friendly blocks and pavers made from plastic waste, alongside the inclusion of girls, people with disabilities, and youth in vulnerable situations.
70+
young leaders directly supported in developing sustainable businesses.
73,200
projected pavers from 12 distributed production kits over six months.
5 tons
of plastic expected to be recycled through those production kits.
450+
direct jobs created in 2025 solely from RDI-supported businesses.
Results that strengthen the case
The playbook reports that RDI leadership programs trained 627 young people across 26 provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2025. It also reports an indirect reach of up to 1.37 million Bukavu residents through urban clean-up initiatives, eco-friendly pavers, and environmental education projects.
Training and employability
Leadership programs trained 627 young people in 2025, with at least 450 direct jobs created from supported businesses.
Family resilience
Distribution of fruit tree seedlings benefited 10,000 families, while agricultural and livestock support improved nutrition and income generation.
Education support
Microcredits and profit donations from supported enterprises helped at least 120 children pay school fees and purchase essential medicines.
Help scale From Waste to Work
Your support helps young eco-entrepreneurs build income while improving environmental conditions in Bukavu. The donation page opens in a new tab on Donorbox.
Transparency and accountability
The institutional playbook states that RDI is a registered nonprofit headquartered in San Diego, California, and that it files financial and operational reports with public agencies including the IRS, the California Secretary of State, and the California Franchise Tax Board.
It also says governance oversight is led by the Board of Directors, presented as qualified professionals with experience in public policy, administration, law, and advocacy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main goal of the campaign?
The playbook says the campaign aims to raise US$55,000 to equip and train 12 groups of young eco-entrepreneurs, support conversion of plastic waste into eco-bricks, and fund outreach, logistics, mentorship, monitoring, and education.
Where is the campaign focused?
The campaign is focused on Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the project addresses both youth unemployment and environmental degradation.
Who founded RDI?
The playbook identifies Dr. Justin Mudekereza as the founder of Rescue Democracy International and describes his work in democracy, human rights, and community development.