Cyber Café Project for Vulnerable Children

14/06/2026

The landlord has already started counting time against our security deposit.

Therefore, we must work hard to find the remaining funds needed to start our project and ensure that it operates successfully and securely.

14/06/2026

We have paid the first rental contract to help launch our project.

We paid for six months, from June 12, 2026, to December 12, 2026.

We already have one computer.

However, we are still lacking many things needed to start our project successfully.

14/06/2026

This is the location where our cyber café will be established, in Ibanda, Bukavu.

We still need your support and assistance to help us launch this project.

17/05/2026

17/05/2026

. How many months will it take to break even?

Initial investment: $700

Net monthly profit: $110

700 ÷ 110 ≈ 6.36 months

So, it will take approximately 6 to 7 months to reach the break-even point.

👉 This timeframe can be reduced to 4–5 months if revenue increases through additional services (printing, photocopying, training, etc.).

7. After the break-even point, what percentage of monthly revenue should be reinvested in supplies and maintenance?

To ensure the sustainability of the business, it is recommended to allocate:

10% to 15% of monthly revenue for:

equipment maintenance

repairs

equipment replacement

supplies (paper, ink, etc.)

👉 This approach helps to:

avoid prolonged breakdowns

maintain a high quality of service

remain competitive with other internet cafés

To ensure a stable and fast Internet connection where our competitors fail, we will act on several technical and organizational factors:

1. Choosing a reliable Internet provider

We will work with the most reliable provider available locally, even if it is slightly more expensive, in order to guarantee better service quality and fewer interruptions.

2. Installing high-quality equipment

We will use:

a professional router (high speed, multi-user management)

high-performance Wi-Fi access points

stable network cabling (Ethernet rather than relying entirely on Wi-Fi)

3. Backup connection

We will set up a second Internet connection (via a 4G modem).

If the main connection fails, the secondary one will automatically take over.

4. Bandwidth management

We will configure the network to:

limit heavy downloads

prevent a single user from slowing down the entire system

prioritize essential uses (browsing, email, office tasks

5. Stable power source

We will install:

a battery system (UPS) or solar panels

👉 This will allow us to continue operating even during power outages, which is a frequent problem for competitors.

6. Regular maintenance

Equipment checks

System updates

Quick repl

17/05/2026

It is estimated that 5% to 10% of the population regularly needs paid internet access, representing 50,000 to 100,000 potential customers. Capturing even 1% of this market (500 to 1,000 regular customers) is more than sufficient to ensure profitability.

4. Revenue with 10 users per day (proof of viability)

Assumptions:

Average price: $1 per user

10 users/day → $10/day

30 days → $300/month

Estimated monthly expenses:

Internet: $40

Salaries (2 employees): $100

Electricity / alternative energy: $10

Equipment maintenance: $15

Supplies (paper, ink, etc.): $10

Administrative fees / taxes: $5

Security: $10

Total expenses: $190/month

Conclusion: With only 10 users per day, the business covers all operating costs (break-even at $190).

In reality, with additional services (printing, photocopying, etc.), revenue can easily reach $350 to $450 per month, ensuring a solid profit margin.

5. After deducting all monthly expenses, what net monthly income is required to break even on the initial $700 investment?

Based on the previous calculations:

Monthly revenue (minimum with 10 users/day): $300

Monthly expenses: $190

Net monthly profit: $110

Therefore, to recover the initial investment of $700, it is necessary to generate approximately $110 in net profit per month. This amount represents the actual capacity to repay the investment.

17/05/2026

In Bukavu, there are an estimated 5 active internet cafés, mainly concentrated in commercial areas such as the city center (Ibanda). However, many of these establishments face recurring challenges: slow internet connection, outdated equipment, frequent power outages, and limited customer service.

2. How will you compete effectively with them?

We will differentiate ourselves through:

Stable and fast internet connection (installation of a high-performance router and reliable subscription)

Modern and well-maintained equipment

High-quality customer service (assistance for inexperienced users)

Affordable but profitable pricing

Additional services: printing, photocopying, scanning, document typing, and basic computer training

Alternative power source (battery or solar panels) to avoid interruptions

3. What is the numerical size of the market for your services?

Bukavu has a population of over 1 million people, including:

Students (universities and higher institutes)

Job seekers

Small business owners

NGO staff and administrative workers

17/05/2026

In Bukavu, there are an estimated 5 active internet cafés, mainly concentrated in commercial areas such as the city center (Ibanda). However, many of these establishments face recurring challenges: slow internet connection, outdated equipment, frequent power outages, and limited customer service.
2. How will you compete effectively with them?
We will differentiate ourselves through:
Stable and fast internet connection (installation of a high-performance router and reliable subscription)
Modern and well-maintained equipment
High-quality customer service (assistance for inexperienced users)
Affordable but profitable pricing
Additional services: printing, photocopying, scanning, document typing, and basic computer training
Alternative power source (battery or solar panels) to avoid interruptions
3. What is the numerical size of the market for your services?
Bukavu has a population of over 1 million people, including:
Students (universities and higher institutes)
Job seekers
Small business owners
NGO staff and administrative workers

17/05/2026

7. Social Impact
The project aims to:
Help young people access opportunities
Reduce the digital divide
Train the community
8. Marketing Strategy
Posters in schools/universities
Student” promotions
Word of mouth
Fast and reliable service
9. Risks and Solutions
Risk Solution
Many people have smartphones Focus on printing and services
Power outages Use a UPS
Low customer base at the beginning Low prices + promotions
10. Conclusion
This project is:
✔ Feasible with $700
✔ Adapted to the Bukavu context
✔ Socially useful
✔ Scalable (can add more machines later)