About Us
Our Approach to Animal Welfare
CAWi takes a community-centered, evidence-informed, and collaborative approach to animal welfare and sustainable food systems in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We combine education, research, advocacy, community engagement, and partnerships to create practical and lasting change. We work with students, communities, farmers, businesses, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to raise awareness, build local capacity, promote humane practices, and encourage solutions that benefit animals, people, and the environment. Our approach is rooted in local realities and focuses on empowering people to become active participants in creating a more compassionate and sustainable future.
Our History
Founded to protect animals across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, CAWI has grown into a community-driven welfare organization.
2026
Founded
Vision
A Congo where every animal is treated with compassion and respect.
Mission
To protect and improve the welfare of farm animals, companion animals, and wildlife across the Congo.
Core Values
Compassion
We treat every animal and every community member with empathy and respect.
Integrity
We hold ourselves accountable to the communities and animals we serve.
Community
Lasting change grows from partnership with the people who live alongside animals every day.
Empowerment
We equip local communities and young leaders with the tools to carry this work forward.
Leadership & Team
A dedicated team of local and international staff leading our programs across the Congo.
Calvin Baguma
Executive Director
Leads CAWI's strategy and partnerships, with two decades of experience in community-based conservation across the Congo Basin.
Furaha Bahati
Program Manager, Humane Education
Oversees the humane education curriculum and its rollout across partner schools nationwide.
Jonathan Marlowe
Program Manager, Wildlife Protection
Coordinates ranger partnerships and habitat-monitoring programs protecting the region's gorilla populations.
Emmanuel Mwenda
Program Manager, Farm Animal Welfare
Runs mobile veterinary clinics and humane-handling training for farming communities.
Patrice Ilunga
Program Manager, Animal Rescue
Leads the 24/7 emergency rescue team responding to wildlife and domestic animal emergencies.
Thomas Freeman
Program Manager, Companion Animals
Manages sterilization drives, vaccination campaigns, and the foster-to-adopt network in Kinshasa.
Timeline
Key milestones from our founding to today.