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About IRIS MAENDELEO
IRIS MAENDELEO is a humanitarian association based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, dedicated to vulnerable children and youth; orphans, displaced persons, and victims of conflicts, violence or poverty.
Our mission is to provide them with protection, inclusion, education, and a nurturing environment to help them regain hope, dignity, and a future. The association stands as a living tribute to the compassionate work of Swiss couple Jürg and Iris Steinlin. For decades, they have been committed to supporting at-risk children and youth across Africa and Asia.
Our objectives
- PROMOTE & SUPPORT Children and youth affected by war and crisis
- ENSURE Equitable access to education and health
- PROMOTE Social entrepreneurship and community resilience.
Our Core values
- Integrity and transparency
- Inclusion and fairness
- Social innovation
- Solidarity and kindness
- Accountability and professionalism
Achievements
- Scholarships: +50
- Youth initiative incubation: 2
- Children supported: +125
Our Programs & activities
Binti Shuleni
The Binti Shuleni program aims to support inclusive, quality education (SDG4) and promote girls' education (SDG5) by assisting vulnerable orphan girls. The pilot project assisted 50 rural orphan girls in Kashenyi, South Kivu province, by providing school kits and supporting pre-school nutrition. Activities included distributing kits, raising awareness on girls' education and nutrition, assessing children's nutritional status, and allowing children to share their views on education and careers.
Social entrepreneurship
Social Entrepreneurship Program aims to empower women and youth in the DRC by enhancing their entrepreneurial skills. Focusing on key areas such as food technology, arts, cosmetics, and digital innovation, the initiative addresses the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by women and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
IRISMILE with Children
On 28 December 2025, the organization supported 12 vulnerable children hospitalized at CBCA Nyamugo hospital in Bukavu, and on 30 December 2025, assisted 45 displaced children and 15 parents in Mugunga, Goma. The intervention focused on three key pillars: child protection and dignity, emotional and psychosocial support, and hope restoration.
Erick Nunda Mbala
Co-Founder & Chair, Erick Nunda Mbala is a development professional specialized in sustainable development, youth empowerment, and community-based programming, with experience across local, regional, and global development frameworks. He is trained as an Agronomist Engineer with additional expertise in project coordination, knowledge management, and monitoring and evaluation.