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SHAPING LAND REFORM FOR A MORE PEACEFUL CONGO
Challenges with land policy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo date back to the late 19th century, when King Leopold of Belgium declared all “vacant land” in DR Congo as his own (Congo Free State), creating two parallel systems of land management: one system administered by the Belgian colonial authorities and the other established […]... Read More →
Join Dr. David Kasali at the 2017 HNGR Symposium
Wheaton College’s 2017 Symposium in Human Needs and Global Resources brings together diverse scholars and leaders to celebrate the transformative work that God is doing through young people around the world. We are pleased to share that Dr. David Kasali, Rector of the Christian Bilingual Christian University of Congo (UCBC) and Co-Founder of Congo Initiative, will deliver the […]
2022 Advent Reflections
[pdf-embedder url=”https://congoinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Congo-Initiative-2022-Advent-Reflections-1.pdf” title=”Congo Initiative – 2022 Advent Reflections”]... Read More →
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: David Bujiriri
Undoubtedly, the best part of working at UCBC is rubbing shoulders with the creative young changemakers who study there. I want to introduce you to one of these excellent young adults, David Bujiriri, or as he is called by his friends, Buj (pronounced “oo” as in boot). Buj is a junior computer engineering major from […]
2021 IMPACT VIDEO
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2016 Annual Report
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THE GIFT OF BOOKS
Written above the lobby of the Université Chrétienne Bilingue Du Congo’s (UCBC) library is the famous quote by Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” A powerful reminder of education’s important role promoting peace and the common good. Education comes in various forms, but books have always […]... Read More →
CI-USA Leadership Transition Announcement
After 12 remarkable years of outstanding, Christ-honoring, creative, and compassionate leadership, Cullen Rodgers-Gates (pictured), the Executive Director of Congo Initiative USA, is passing on the baton of leadership. On behalf of the CI-USA Board of Directors and the entire Congo Initiative family across the world, I want to express our profound gratitude to Cullen for […]... Read More →
More Reading
Develop an understanding of Congo’s context and learn why there is such a critical need for a new generation of Christian leaders in the DRC. Please consider making a financial contribution to support the work of Congo Initiative, either as a monthly donor (“Bridge Builder“) or with a one-time gift. Donate Today. DRC Facts Map of the Democratic […]
When Women Rise
Congolese women and children bear the brunt of the crippling effects of hundreds of years of colonialism, war, and exploitation. Socio-cultural norms that favor patriarchy exacerbate poverty, domestic abuse, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Violence against women has sadly increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, limited awareness and adherence to women’s […]
What Gives Us Hope?
A graduation at the Christian Bilingual University of Congo (UCBC) is always an emotional moment for Kaswera and me. Each year, we are overcome with joy as we celebrate the dedication of our courageous students, the perseverance of our gifted staff, and the faithfulness of all who support them – parents, community partners, and friends […]
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS!
In 2003, Congolese Christian leaders gathered as gunfire and mortar rounds echoed through the air on the outskirts of Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo. Together they lamented the historical and current violence and trauma suffered by Congolese communities. They asked how Christians–people of faith and committed to justice, hope, and peace–should respond to the suffering […]
Butoto Mahinduzi
“I realized that my accomplishments in economics was just a gift I needed to use to help others. I felt called to teach, encourage, and help others manage their money in order to come out of poverty.” Butoto Mahinduzi traveled to Beni in 2010 to the surprise of his father, who manages a small restaurant, […]
Links and Literature
Video Resources Helpful Links UCBC Faculty & Students’ Publications and Lectures Reverse Innovation: A Response Defining Integrated Learning: Perspectives from Alumni of the Christian University in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) We are the Democratic Republic of Congo: An Essay by UCBC Students Reimagining Education for Transformation and Social Change: A Case Study of […]
THE NEXT 500 IMPACT REPORT
THE NEXT 500 IMPACT REPORT
2017 ANNUAL REPORT
From celebrating over 500 alumni and the 10-year anniversary of our main institution--l'Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC)--to influencing land reform policy, to providing counseling for those deeply wounded by trauma and violence, our transformative community continues to be a beacon of hope amidst challenging times.
EBOLA: A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY OF INTERNATIONAL CONCERN
[…] international concern.” Over 1700 people have died since the outbreak first began just west of Beni nearly one year ago. After a case was confirmed in the densely populated city of Goma, a city of nearly two million inhabitants located on the border with Rwanda, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the outbreak reached […]
Lesson 1: Grieving When You Can’t Say Goodbye
[…] or touch one another. However, the hardest part of the Ebola outbreak for many people was the experience of “safe and dignified burials” – a protocol that denies families the chance to pay their last respects or say goodbye to their loved ones who died. One family shared: “How can you take someone’s father […]
Becoming Instruments of Healing and Restoration
[…] adjust to the changing environment or situations. I learned the role of emotions and how to use them to become whole again.” The seminar intentionally worked across denominations, with representatives from Baptist, Evangelical, Catholic, Pentecostal, Revival and Adventist communities. “This will enable me to be better prepared to care for those as their pastor.” […]
WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY
[…] the yoke of oppression” and “spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry, and satisfy the needs of the oppressed” (Isaiah 58:9-10). We at Congo Initiative lament and denounce the oppression and violence experienced by Black communities in the United States. We grieve along with them and particularly with the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud […]
Center for Church Renewal Info
[…] the Congolese context, without consideration of interpretation by the local context. Furthermore, in accordance with the colonial policy of “divide and rule,” each individual mission agency or denomination was given permission to work only in areas of the country specifically designated for them. The result was rigid denominational divisions that still dominate D.R. Congo’s […]
EQUIP Christian Communities
[…] for the purpose of developing Bible literacy and basic theology. Colonial Era In accordance with the colonial policy of “divide and rule,” each individual mission agency or denomination was given permission to work only in areas of the country specifically designated for them. The result was rigid denominational divisions that still dominate Congo’s religious […]
Renewing Christian Vocation
[…] experiencing such difficult realities: leadership workshops theological training courses pastoral skills training (e.g. preaching, counseling) marriage enrichment seminars holistic community development Congo Initiative serves pastors of all denominations, embodying the reconciliation that is needed today between faith communities. Justice Initiative Through our Center for Professional Development and Vocational Training, we seek to […]
Dr. David Kasali Awarded 2014 Scholar Leader Of The Year
[…] which is hosted by the Center for Reconciliation at Duke Divinity School, this award signals broad recognition of Dr. Kasali’saccomplishments. Over 100 African leaders of universities, church denominations, and non-governmental organizations gather every year as part of the GLI to participate in a week of reflection, prayer, and mutual encouragement. In his remarks, ScholarLeaders […]
Our People
[…] the war situation in their country, DRC, and felt called by the Lord to help rebuild lives, families and communities through holistic ministries with churches from various denominations. Together, they created Congo Initiative, which has both a Congolese and US board. Soon after leavingNEGST, the Kasalis moved to the States for three years of […]
Leadership
[…] the war situation in their country, DRC, and felt called by the Lord to help rebuild lives, families and communities through holistic ministries with churches from various denominations. Together, they created Congo Initiative, which has both a Congolese and US board. Soon after leavingNEGST, the Kasalis moved to the States for three years of […]
Unity in Diversity
[…] of war.” Barnabé Kazambua Bin Bendela, UCBC’s Director of Communications At the end of the program celebrating unity in diversity, the UCBC community stood as one to denounce the international community’s silence in the face of the atrocities, massacres, and insecurity in Eastern DR Congo. The “Free Congo” gesture – one hand over the […]
Justice Initiative
[…] extraordinary things to transform lives, such as the following: Aggressively prosecute those who commit violent crimes against women. Advocate for wrongfully imprisoned individuals and help to set them free. Give free legal counsel to people who cannot afford to pay a lawyer. Defend widows whose property rights are unjustly denied. GIVE TO THE JUSTICE INITIATIVE
Panelist Bios
[…] response of celebration and lament Panelist: James Byensi, Evangelical Church in Central Africa Rev. James Byensi is the Founder and President of The Rebuilders Ministry, a non- denominational Christian organization laboring in rebuilding broken lives, hopes, homes and walls in Eastern DRC through spiritual, socio-economic and educational programs. James served as Missions Director for […]
“[We] must side with the truth, not the oppressor.”
[…] Kingdom of God,” was apt – a call for lawyers to stand against human rights abuses. The eastern region of DRC is currently under a “state of siege” which is exacerbating the already tenuous situation. Law violations by the military have become rampant and a number of lawyers present at the conference have been […]
Christian Bilingual University of Congo
[…] of Church Renewal and Global Mission Serges Vutegha Natural Resource Governance Coordinator Elisé Kambale Viso Justice Initiative Director GENERAL ASSEMBLY Paul Robinson, PhD Co-Founder and General Assembly Chair Cathy Furaha Kinshasa, DRC Rev. Dennis Kalipi Mutondwe Butembo, DRC Rose Kirere Bunia, DRC Kisumba Kamungele Kinshasa, DRC Mathieu Lembelembe Chicago, IL Steve Tracy, PhD Portland, OR