Last Saturday, we had the joy of celebrating the Congo Initiative’s 15th graduation ceremony at Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC). The Class of 2025 represents not only individual achievement but also the fruit of a vision that you—our partners and friends—helped make possible.

Since our first graduating class, UCBC has equipped more than a thousand women and men to lead with hope and imagination in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each student’s story is a testimony to resilience: many have faced economic hardship, insecurity, and daily challenges unique to eastern Congo. Yet they persevered, supported by their families, mentors, and a global community of donors and friends who believe in their potential.

This year’s graduates are stepping into society as community leaders, entrepreneurs, lawyers, computer engineers, journalists, pastors and more. Beyond credentials, they carry forward the values and faith they’ve learned here—justice, service, creativity, and belief in the common good. Their presence in Congo’s classrooms, businesses, civil society, courts, and churches directly reflects your investment in their lives.

In that vein, we say thank you. You are part of this story. Each graduate walking across the stage is a living example of transformation that could not have happened without your prayers, generosity, and encouragement.

As we celebrate this moment, we look ahead with hope and determination. Together, we can continue equipping future generations of leaders who will bring peace and renewal to Congo and beyond.

CONFLICT UPDATE:

BENI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Violence has again escalated in and around Beni, North Kivu, in recent weeks. Armed attacks—primarily attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)—have left dozens of civilians killed and many more displaced. Families are grieving, homes and markets have been destroyed, and daily life has been deeply disrupted.

These events are not far from UCBC and the communities Congo Initiative serves. Many of our students, staff, and their families come from the very areas affected. Each time violence erupts, our community feels the shock waves: students have to study amidst uncertainty, families face displacement and local church and community leaders are stretched as they help neighbors recover and rebuild.

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.

October 10, 2025: Brookfield, WI
October 24, 2025: Berkeley, CA
November 1-2, 2025: Minneapolis, MN
November 8, 2025: Durham, North Carolina
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!

UPDATES

WHILE UCBC GRADUATES, PRIMARY SCHOOLS BEGIN

On September 1, 2025, Congo Bilingual Academy (ABC/UCBC) joyfully welcomed students, teachers and parents back for a new academic year. New families received a warm, personalized welcome as part of ABC’s commitment to integration, wellbeing and student success. The 2025–2026 school year promises rich learning, discovery and growth opportunities for every child.

CONGO IN THE NEWS

A Call for Meaningful Action to Support Justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Human Rights Watch)

Focusing on M23 Allows ADF Insurgents to Expand in Eastern DRC (Institute for Security Studies)

Two countries signed a peace deal in Washington. On the ground, little has changed (CNN)

Why peace is still a long way off in DR Congo (CNN video)

Ebola outbreak in the DRC: why is it so deadly? (Nature)

Congo will not ‘auction’ mineral resources to the U.S., president says (Reuters)

Clashes in DR Congo Despite Peace (The Defense Post)

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