Since opportunities for upward mobility through the colonial structure were limited, the "évolué" class institutionally manifested itself through clubs and associations. Through these groups they could enjoy trivial privileges that made them feel distinct from the Congolese "masses". In 1947, there were 110 social clubs consisting of 5,609 members throughout the Congo's cities. From 1952 to 1956, the number of clubs rose from 131 to 317, with their membership increasing from 7,661 to 15,345. Most of these associations were rather small, but some eventually grew in size to encompass entire regions and ethnic groups, such as the "Alliance des Bakongo". "Évolué"s organised most of the educational opportunities for women in the Belgian Congo, since the colonial government put little effort into such a venture.