You Are Part of a Powerful Story
Thank you for being part of the Congo Initiative community. Because of your unwavering support, you are part of a powerful story—one of resilience, collaboration, and lasting change. We’re thrilled to share the 2024 Annual Report, a testament to what we’ve accomplished together.
From celebrating 1,000 UCBC alumni to expanding community impact, every milestone in this report reflects your generosity and commitment to a more just and flourishing Democratic Republic of Congo.
We invite you to explore the full digital report to witness how your steadfast support is transforming lives and shaping a new generation of Congolese leaders.
But our work is far from over.
As the people of Congo continue to face deepening violence and humanitarian crisis in 2025, your commitment is more vital than ever. The challenges are great—but so is the hope rising through the leaders, students, and communities you help empower every day.
Thank you for standing with us and walking alongside our community in Congo. We could not do this without you.
With gratitude,
The Congo Initiative Team
UPDATES
LABOR DAY STAFF PICNIC
At the beginning of the month, UCBC celebrated D.R. Congo’s Labor Day with the first-ever staff and family picnic!
The entire community came together—celebrating the spirit of unity, collaboration, and dedication that defines UCBC. This special day was a beautiful reminder of the resilience and commitment of every staff member who makes UCBC a place of excellence and service.
To our amazing UCBC family: thank you for all you do! Here’s to strengthening connections and building a brighter future—together.
TUKO PAMOJA AT ABC AND LCB
On May 2nd, the students of Académie Bilingue du Congo (ABC) spent the day at La Charité Bilingue du Congo (LCB). While both schools are based in Beni, they are located on opposite sides of town and serve different populations (LCB serves many students who are displaced or under-resourced). This is the first time the two schools have gathered for a day of fellowship and fun, demonstrating the motto “Tuko Pamoja” (“We are together” in Swahili).
The students of ABC brought donations of school supplies, clothing, and food, and all the students participated in activities and singing.
The staff at both schools hoped to raise awareness of the importance of education for all through this gathering.
“This visit goes beyond charity…It forms in our students the values of compassion and social responsibility,” noted one teacher from ABC.
PRAYER FOR PEACE
On May 17-18, UCBC and several local Beni churches hosted a prayer weekend in town. The theme of the event was “For the love of [our home], I will not keep quiet!” from Isaiah 62:1. Full recordings of the events can be found on UCBC’s facebook page.
MEET A UCBC STUDENT
CONGO IN THE NEWS
In Congo’s rebel-held coltan mines, workers dig for the world’s tech – and barely survive (AP News)
Ex-DR Congo president returns from self-imposed exile, party says (BBC)
Congo eyes US minerals deal by end of June, FT reports (Reuters)
Blood batteries: how Congo’s conflict is shaking the world’s rare earths market (Observer Research Foundation)
Illegal logging in rebel-held Congo threatens gorillas, alarms environmentalists (Reuters)
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