Congo Initiative

Congo Initiative equips the rising generation through transformative education for a flourishing Congo.

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

by Edie Lanza

20 Years of Impact, A Lifetime of Change

From our humble beginnings in 2005, what began as a dream to equip Congolese leaders for a flourishing Congo has grown into a vibrant community of change-makers transforming education, justice, and community life across the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Over the past two decades, Congo Initiative (CI) has stood as a beacon of hope, collaboration, and faith in action. Through the Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC) and community engagement initiatives, we’ve equipped thousands of Congolese women and men to lead with integrity, creativity, and courage.

20 years later, the impact is clear:

  • More than 1,000 UCBC graduates are leading in government, education, business, and civil society.
  • Communities once torn by conflict are discovering new paths toward peace and healing.
  • Local initiatives are driving environmental stewardship, economic innovation, and restorative justice.
  • A new generation of leaders is proving that transformation begins from within.

As we look ahead to the next 20 years, we’re filled with deep gratitude for our global partners, churches, donors, and friends who have walked alongside us. Together, we are reimagining what’s possible for Congo and the world.

We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us through stories, events, and opportunities to invest in the next generation of Congolese leaders. Because this anniversary isn’t just about what’s been accomplished—it’s about what comes next.

Let’s continue building a brighter future together.

Video Series

Over the next few months, we’re bringing you twenty impactful stories to celebrate twenty years of work in Congo. Please enjoy and share these videos and articles, starting with our friend, Adelphine.

In conflict-affected Beni, Adelphine Angemito, Gender Equity and Advocacy Officer at UCBC and a proud alumna, is helping women discover their inner strength and lead with confidence. Guided by UCBC’s mission to transform Congo through faith and education, she empowers women to see their own potential and step boldly into leadership. “It’s time to leave our comfort zone and say, I can do it,” she says—believing that when women rise, communities are transformed.

UPDATES

A NEW YEAR AT UCBC BEGINS

UCBC began a new academic year on Monday, October 27. Join us in prayer for God’s provision and protection of the campus during the coming months and for students to thrive as they embark on a journey of learning, curiosity, and growth together this year.

MEET A GRAD

Paluku Muliha Charite

“God’s plan can come from another way than what you planned; the most important thing is to be focused on what you are doing and do it well. Life is not what we think, but what we live every day; there is no other life. To develop our nation, each one should think about learning to transform surroundings as UCBC did for us. It is a pleasure for me to be a student in this machine of transformation and I testify that I am ready to practice the transformation wherever I will go. Then, do not forget to pray to God!”

20th ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

This fall, we are launching our 20th anniversary campaign. We are excited to connect with you across the country. We are holding some special events on the dates below and look forward to visiting with our passionate community of supporters.

November 1-2, 2025: Minneapolis, MN
November 8, 2025: Durham, North Carolina
November 14: Manhattan, KS
December 13, 2025: Chicago, Illinois

We would love to connect with you and your community. If you are interested in a visit or attending an event, please reach out to us at contact@congoinitiative.org. More details to come!

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