JULY NEWSLETTER · Congo Initiative

From Conflict to Shalom: Walking with Congo in Faith and Hope

Recent peace agreements between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, as well as with the M23 rebels, offer a glimmer of hope in a region long burdened by violence, exploitation, displacement, and suffering. These diplomatic efforts, supported by international mediation, bring much needed attention to the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. Yet they are also susceptible to alternative motives and a potential for continued exploitation of people and resources.

For many in this region, the potential for peace is deeply longed for—and yet tempered by years of broken promises, insecurity, and poor leadership. Past peace deals have failed due to poor enforcement, lack of political will, and the exclusion of local, grassroots voices. Many Congolese citizens view foreign involvement with skepticism, particularly where it concerns the exploitation of natural resources. As the United Nations’ latest expert report (S/2025/446) confirms, challenges remain: armed groups are still active, conflict minerals fund violence, and many communities still lack access to basic needs.

Yet we are reminded that in the face of brokenness, God is present and calls us to be agents of His shalom. In this fragile moment, we are reminded of Micah 6:8—“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

In this fragile context, your faithful support is doing just that. Through your partnership, a new generation of ethical leaders are working to address root causes of conflict and drive sustainable change from within. Your partnership helps create spaces for healing, empowerment, and hope, even amid uncertainty.

As these peace agreements take shape, we must continue our shared commitment to walking alongside the students and communities in Congo. The journey toward peace is complex, but by walking together, we can help ensure that hope and healing becomes a reality and that the Congolese communities will flourish in the face of adversity.

Thank you for standing with us and the people of Congo.

Tuko Pamoja — We are together.

Mandela Washington Fellowship Recipient: Adelphine Angemito

Congratulations to Adelphine Angemito on being selected as a 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow—a prestigious recognition of her leadership, service, and commitment to community transformation.

Adelphine was selected from a competitive pool of over 700 young African leaders to join the prestigious fellowship. She was placed at Louisiana State University (LSU) as part of the Leadership in Civic Engagement track.

UPDATES

PARLER POUR PROTÉGER

Earlier this month, UCBC held a conference on the theme “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse” in collaboration with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), through its Conduct and Discipline Section.

The conference marked the launch of the program “Parler pour Protéger” (Talk to Protect), dedicated to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. It also aimed to raise awareness, discuss prevention and accountability mechanisms, and reaffirm the commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

WIDOW’S DAY

Bethesda Counseling Center and the Holistic Family Development Center co-hosted an event on International Widow’s Day entitled, “Breaking the Fear of the Future for Widows.” This day is an opportunity to highlight the crucial issues faced by widows in DRC – such as marginalization, economic difficulties, and widowhood trauma – and aims to advocate for their rights and empowerment.

About fifty widows participated and they explored the different stages of grief a widow goes through and the persistent challenges they face. This day served as a reminder that widows are essential players in society and deserve full recognition of their rights. The goal remains clear: to enable widows to live with dignity, equality, and hope for a better future.

NEW BOARD MEMBER

We are excited to welcome Dr. Baraka Muvuka to the Congo Initiative Board of Directors!

Dr. Muvuka is a public health scientist, educator, and global health expert with a deep commitment to health equity and community empowerment. Drawing on her lived and professional experience in the DRC, Philippines, and U.S., she brings a powerful blend of cultural insight and academic leadership.

She holds a PhD in Public Health Sciences and currently serves as Professor, Director of Research, and Co-Director of the Urban Medicine Program at Indiana University School of Medicine–Northwest. Her work spans community- and health system–engaged research, maternal and child health, and mentoring the next generation of changemakers in the DRC and beyond.

We are honored to have her join us in advancing transformational leadership and holistic development.

Welcome, Dr. Muvuka!

CLOTHING SWAP

Last week, UCBC hosted the second Clothing Swap, put together by the Student Leadership Development Team (SLDT). Many students and staff participated in this community event.

The swap was a great reminder that something small or unused by one person can be incredibly valuable to someone else—an inspiring example of the generosity and sense of community that makes UCBC special.

It also marked the opening of the Helping Hand Center, a new space focused on encouraging sharing and mutual support across the campus.

LCB SUMMER CAMP

As part of our commitment to holistic child development, UCBC—through its primary school La Charité Bilingue du Congo—has been hosting a summer holiday camp over the past few weeks.

This initiative gives children the opportunity to explore a variety of crafts and trades while building key life skills like independence, teamwork, and cultural awareness. Among the hands-on activities, kids are introduced to shoemaking and jewelry making, and get to craft their own handmade pieces.

Other popular workshops include tablecloth weaving, a beginner’s electricity session, and several other practical, creative experiences.

Through this camp, the children aren’t just learning new skills—they’re developing a sense of responsibility, discovering the value of collaboration, and learning to celebrate each other’s unique talents.

MEET A UCBC STUDENT

“My journey at UCBC has been an exciting exploration of community and personal growth, enriched by the sharing of ideas and experiences. At UCBC, bilingualism transcends languages to unite hearts, creating a deep integration within the Congolese community. Guided by my faith and Christian teachings, I not only acquired a rigorous training in economics but was also shaped by a community in which commitment and friendship are “I am deeply grateful to God and especially to UCBC for its commitment to academic excellence and enriching training that allowed me to obtain my degree in Agribusiness. Being a member of UCBC has been extremely beneficial for my outlook and has given me self-confidence, as I am convinced that with all the knowledge I have acquired, I will be able to make a significant contribution to society. My time at UCBC was not only a period of learning, but also the acquisition of a new family, as is often said succinctly: ‘UCBC is my family.’ I am eternally grateful and proud to be part of this great family.”

Ann Marie Safi Mathe, Agribusiness