Augustin Nobambuzi had a difficult childhood. Raised in a poor family and living with the constant fear of ethnic violence, Augustin was no stranger to school cancellations due to war, the constant concern of where money for education would come from, and how to keep the family safe.

He still bears the emotional and physical scars from his childhood, which he says impacted his heart as well. His mother once sold all her clothes so that Augustin could attend school, and his uncle paid his tuition at UCBC. It is this emphasis on family that drives Augustin to succeed as an alumni of UCBC.

Leaving his family in Bunia to study at UCBC wasn’t easy, but today, Augustin is the director of finance at Kivu Green, a new green energy company based in Beni started by CI’s Jon Shaw and other UCBC alumni. Augustin also serves as the director of finance at UCBC’s primary prep school, ABC (Academié Bilingue du Congo).

As an economics and financial management student at UCBC, Augustin was challenged to see education differently. He joined a study group, and was involved in mentoring students that were struggling to discourage academic dishonesty. This once shy and timid student has now become a leader in his community, helping students find their footing both financially and socially.

“God wanted me to study at UCBC to help people,” he says.

His long-term plans involve attending grad school and improving his English, but driving all that is a desire to see his country transformed.

He said that UCBC graduates are doing well in Beni, and the impact and value of their education is evident in the transformation of the community. “Transparency, accountability, a renewed work ethic, and service are all things I learned at UCBC,” he said.