Faith in Transformation

Two UCBC Alumni, One Story of Hope

At UCBC, education is never only academic. Rooted in the mission “Being Transformed to Transform,” the university seeks to nurture both mind and spirit — something powerfully reflected in the stories of alumni Ndjabu Dedonga and Merite Musanga.

Ndjabu arrived in North Kivu from war-torn Ituri, where tribal conflict had shaped much of his early life. When he joined UCBC in 2007, he carried the weight of trauma, violence and a feeling of unworthiness. He came from a world marked by chaos, where God had not yet been part of his life. Yet through prayer groups at the university and the steady presence of mentors, his faith gradually began to take root. He credits UCBC as the beginning of his journey to Christianity. He was even baptized there. 

In community, Ndjabu encountered grace — and discovered a new identity. Today, a husband and father of three, Ndjabu continues to support the same transformation that once reshaped his own life.

For Merite, faith became an anchor amid personal, cultural and spiritual struggles. Aware of the particular trauma women carry — physical, emotional and social — she found strength and renewed faith as she was encouraged to refocus on Christ.  

At UCBC, she also discovered her voice. Serving as class leader for several years, she realized she could lead and be heard. When she nearly left her studies, it was the faith-filled community around her that urged her to stay.

Now, with degrees in theology and counseling, Merite walks alongside students at UCBC as they face their own challenges. 

Ndjabu and Merite can testify that at UCBC, faith changes lives — and those lives go on to change others.