Who is Cuso
For over 60 years, Cuso International has been a trusted partner in inclusive economic development. From Africa to Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada, we connect global businesses with local talent, entrepreneurs, and communities to drive sustainable growth.
We go beyond philanthropy: we design practical, tailored workforce development solutions that help companies succeed while creating long-term benefits for communities.
The Cuso effect
When we train, assist, or mentor one person — whether a young leader, a woman farmer or a job seeker — these building blocks have an impact that spreads far beyond her. Every action multiplies. Every change inspires another. Together, small steps create sustainable, lasting change.
Today, we celebrate the incredible impact of Talent Pluriel a program that has empowered professionals, strengthened businesses, and made communities thrive. Thank you to everyone who made this success possible!
About Talent Pluriel
Years of implementation: 2022-2026
Funders: Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
Talent Pluriels is a program like no other. The project based on elements of the very successful Sustainable Colombian Opportunities for Peacebuilding and Employment (SCOPE) inclusive employment model was launched in 2022 with the goal of helping young people in the Democratic Republic of Congo build better futures. The project supports youth facing barriers especially women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and displaced people by providing training, coaching, and support to find jobs, start businesses, and fully participate in their communities.
At the same time, Talent Pluriels works with local organisations and community leaders to strengthen inclusive policies and practices, helping create environments that are more welcoming, supportive, and responsive to vulnerable people especially women, youth and disabled people. By addressing both individual empowerment and systemic change, the project contributes to more inclusive and resilient communities.
Impact by the numbers
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Youth entrepreneurs trained
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Micro or small enterprises legalised
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Youth searching for employment trained
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Young people hired or interning
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Community and family members impacted
Testimonials
Meet the people who have had the chance to experience the Cuso effect here.
“By participating in this program, I hoped for guidance, follow-up, and support—and Cuso made that possible. Acquiring new skills was challenging at first, but my determination carried me through.”
“Thanks to this project, I’ve become self-sufficient. In my community, doubts have faded about the true intentions of organizations working to help young people.”
- Charly Solo, participant
“The support and guidance offered by the project have enabled me to stand out from the crowd in terms of the marketing and presentation of my products. Thanks to the funding I received, I was able to buy the raw materials I needed and build up a large stock of products to sell, which has considerably improved my income.”
- Gloria Kidiadi Kieta, participant
"At first, I struggled to accept others as they were, but inclusion has taught me to be more open and see the richness in diversity. Through the exchanges and experiences in an inclusive environment, I have developed more empathy and learned to listen without judging. Today, I value difference and understand the importance of acceptance and respect in a more equitable society.”
- Malekama Ntoto Dorcas, participant
"The support and guidance offered by Cuso International have been crucial to my success. Before receiving the innovation fund, I was short of equipment and had to produce my juices at someone else's premises. This caused delays in my orders and prevented me from meeting my customers' demands. Thanks to the innovation fund, I've been able to improve my productivity and present my products in a much more attractive way. Now I can produce at home, and that has made a real difference.”
- Victor Bujiriri, participant
"My experience of inclusion during the training was marked by openness and benevolent support. I was welcomed into an environment that values diversity, allowing me to integrate and develop fully. This inclusive approach has strengthened my self-esteem and my ability to collaborate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.””
- Prodige Mavanga Kinkazi, participant
“Networking with other entrepreneurs, both at Cuso and elsewhere, has allowed me to broaden my horizons and exchange ideas, which is invaluable for a young entrepreneur like me.”
- Rachel Kasongo, participant
“Thanks to the Talents Pluriels project and the support of Cuso coaches and facilitators, I was able to acquire essential management and marketing skills. Today, I am recognised as an accomplished and well-trained young entrepreneur. Inclusion has played a crucial role in my journey; it has allowed me to collaborate with people of different orientations, strengthening our community and celebrating diversity.”
“I'm grateful to those who have supported me, and I'm determined to inspire other young people, especially those from the LGBTQ+ community, to follow their dreams and overcome the obstacles. My business, SMART COOK SERVICES, is now growing and I'm excited about what the future holds.”
- Daniel Mambu Zahara, participant
Event highlights
A look back at the events, galas, trainings, and networking opportunities where Talent Pluriel proudly played a role. Over the years, we’ve partnered with leading organizations, companies, and government institutions to create meaningful impact across our community. From culinary showcases celebrating young entrepreneurs, to powerful panel discussions like the Day of Reflection on Women with the Saka Saka Foundation, to recruitment events such as job fairs with ANADEC each initiative has strengthened our mission. These moments reflect Talent Pluriel’s lasting commitment to empowering young talents and shaping a more inclusive future.
Talent Pluriel partners
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Registered charity in both Canada (No. 81111 6813 RR0001)
and the United States (EIN 30-0545486)