Many of us are familiar with the anxieties that come with passing a major exam, particularly one that determines eligibility to attend an institution of higher education. In the United States, college entry exams like SAT and ACT play this role. In Congo, thousands of secondary school students take a similar exam called the […]
Dr. Margaret Mwenda’s Commencement Address
[…] the last thing to reflect upon is the action: Each one of you must take action to accomplish the work you have been called to. Let us examine the first point – the calling. Part 1: You have been called I want to begin by retelling one of the most well-known stories of the […]
Becoming Instruments of Healing and Restoration
The new Bethesda Counseling Center recently held a two-day seminar for local church leaders. Focusing on the theme, “We are God’s instruments for healing and restoration,” the goals were to encourage and offer spiritual and psychological support to church leaders serving in communities facing trauma, and to open dialogue on creating safe spaces to listen […]
SHAPING LAND REFORM FOR A MORE PEACEFUL CONGO
[…] land management: one system administered by the Belgian colonial authorities and the other established through the practices of local customary chiefs.¹ Between 1928 and 1956, the Belgians forcefully relocated people groups within Eastern Congo in order to provide labor for European-owned projects. These imperialistic acts set the foundation for much of the land conflict […]
Protected: Protected: Test for Int’l PayPal Giving
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
CURRENT OPENING: GENERAL DIRECTOR, ABC PRIMARY SCHOOL
A flourishing Congo starts with its children. Académie Bilingue du Congo (ABC) is seeking an impact-oriented director with a passion for the growth of this young school. The General Director of ABC oversees early childhood and primary education, envisioning the development and realization of the school’s mission. The Director serves as the key instructional […]
Join Dr. David Kasali at the 2017 HNGR Symposium
[…] a theologian and fellow in the Faculty of Social Sciences at Uganda Christian University, will join Drs. Kasali and Casas to lead various workshops with Wheaton students, staff and faculty on youth leadership development on Friday, March 17. The four-day Symposium, sponsored by the John Deere Foundation, is free and open to the public. RSVP
UCBC receives grant for technology upgrade
Earlier this month, UCBC unveiled two updated computer labs on campus which house 55 new computers and provide faster, more reliable internet. Access to consistent and quality technology has remained difficult in Congo and these computer labs are a huge gain for the students, faculty, and staff. The computers are part of a major […]
Monthly Supporters: Bridge Builders
Bridge Builders: Trans forming Congo One Student at a Time Something new is happening in Beni, at UCBC. A renewal of hope, vision and leadership. Help up be a bridge of transformation for our students. Opportunity – Now is a tremendous moment of opportunity to invest in Congolese young people who will serve and lead their nation with integrity, […]
UPDATE ON INSECURITY & THE EBOLA VIRUS IN EASTERN CONGO
[…] students are also joining the fight against Ebola by raising awareness of the disease through social media campaigns and disseminating information on important preventative measures. For the latest updates and more information about Ebola, please visit WHO’s website. ### For questions or further information, please contact our Director of Communications, Justin Hubbard at justin.hubbard@congoinitiative.org or […]
Why I Returned to Congo
[…] is not surprised when he is asked “Why did you come back to Congo?” After completing a master’s degree in Europe, no one would have faulted him for taking advantage of the business opportunities there. But for Butoto, the answer is simple: “I believe in Congo.” Before Butoto moved to Poland for his studies […]
WAKISHA LAUNCHES EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM
When you hear the term “startup” you may think of tech hubs like San Francisco, or perhaps the new investment opportunities in startups listed by Forbes and other business platforms. However, in eastern Congo, young entrepreneurs are not only competing to launch their own businesses, but also to create positive change and development in their […]
Renewing Christian Vocation
[…] lay persons eventually turn to some of the animistic beliefs of the culture for answers to their pain and problems. Church leaders need further equipping as leaders, reliable theological teachers, advocates for healing and reconciliation, and champions of community development principles. They need to be given the opportunity to cultivate character and leadership qualities […]
THE GIFT OF BOOKS
[…] 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 played a key role in inspiring generations to learn and listen to a cacophony of voices throughout the world. Even in our digital […]
Dr. David Kasali Awarded 2014 Scholar Leader Of The Year
Congo Initiative Founder and President of the Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC / Christian Bilingual University of Congo) Dr. David M. Kasali has been awarded Scholar Leader of the Year for 2014 by ScholarLeaders International.
UCBC plays critical role in supporting land reform in Congo
[…] with l’Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC) and the North Kivu government, officially launched a project to support the land administration in the implementation of land re form programs in Beni and other areas of eastern Congo. The project aims to support land dispute resolution by improving tenure security utilizing GLTN’s Social Tenure Domain […]
2015 Annual Report
Download 2015 Annual Report
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 →
UCBC DEDICATES HOPE CHAPEL
[…] Apart from UCBC students and staff members, local organizations, churches, business representatives, and security leaders attended the activity. Bwanakawa Masumbuko Nyonyi, the mayor of Beni, tours UCBC’s latest editions to the campus. Bwanakawa Masumbuko Nyonyi, the Mayor of Beni, was also among the guests of the day. Nyonyi commended Congo Initiative and UCBC stating, […]
Changing the image of youth in Congo
[…] in UCBC’s new Hope Chapel Tent, 700 youth met to discuss, share, and reimagine their identities as young Congolese. A two-day conference put on by the Center for Church Renewal and Global Mission (CCRGM) focused on encouraging youth as the hope for Congolese social change now and in the future. Congolese youth are often […]
THE VOICE OF TRANSFORMATION
Radio Télé Bilingue (RTB 102.5MGH) is the radio station associated with UCBC and serves to be the "Voice of Transformation” for the Beni territory. The goal of RTB is to amplify the vision of a transformed Congo and edify daily listeners through music, prayer, and messages.
“A mother to all” – Honoring Maman Marie Kercan
The last couples weeks have been incredibly difficult for the Congo Initiative community. We lost two beloved members – UCBC staff member, Maman Marie Kercan and CI-USA board member, Dr. W. Howard Brown. On Wednesday, September 19, Maman Marie passed away unexpectedly in Beni. She was a core member of UCBC’s finance office for […]
CREATING SPACE FOR RECONCILIATION
[…] that the real grassroots transformation is happening,” said Ben Chappell, a U.S. based lawyer and CI-USA board member actively involved in the Justice Initiative since 2008. “For example, the Bunia cohort has successfully released 207 adult prisoners who were wrongfully imprisoned. That effort alone would be phenomenal in any of our U.S. cities; but […]
CI-USA Leadership Transition Announcement
[…] 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 all that he has accomplished. I also want to publicly express my deep thanks to God for the person He has made Cullen to be. Cullen […]
Paluku’s Path to Freedom
[…] Out of nowhere, the station director came running out of the compound shouting “mwizi” , apprehended him, and took him to the local police where he stayed for a week until he was transferred to nearby Beni. When the “trial” began, Paluku had no representation and the director of the radio station asserted that […]
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: David Bujiriri
[…] over the last few years isn’t limited to technical projects. Buj and a group of his classmates also launched a youth arts promotion initiative in Beni called Beni Forward in Our Talents (BFOT). You can see some of what they are doing at instagram.com/bfot_benitalents/. BFOT has hosted concerts, talents shows, and other public events to showcase the […]
We are the Democratic Republic of Congo
[…] a course, Global Perspectives. Bread for the World asked students to discuss how the international community can engage more constructively with the DRC to promote poverty reduction and sustainable development. The above is a collated and edited version of the class’s response. Download a PDF version of “We are the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
A MESSAGE FROM DR. DAVID KASALI TO 2018 UCBC GRADUATES
Dear Graduates, I congratulate you, the 2017-18 UCBC graduating class, for four years of hard work and remarkable achievement. During your time at UCBC, you have heard me say, “Only the best is good for the Lord.” Together, we have sought to be and do our best. Today, your graduation is the culmination of […]
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.
2021 IMPACT VIDEO
[ci-button link=”https://congoinitiative.org/give”]MAKE A YEAR-END GIFT[/ci-button]... Read More →
2016 Annual Report
DOWNLOAD REPORT
Justice Initiative
[…] the DRC. Additionally, the “Junior Justice Initiative” provides UCBC Law students the opportunity to engage with lawyers and judges to practice their learning before taking their law exam after graduation. The legal professionals we serve are doing extraordinary things to transform lives, such as the following: Aggressively prosecute those who commit violent crimes against […]
HOST A FUNDRAISER
[…] “How can we help?” Introducing your network to Congo Initiative broadens our community of advocates and supporters. We have designed this Fundraising Kit to make it easy for you to host a successful fundraiser event with your friends, family, colleagues, congregations, and neighbors. WHAT IS IN THE KIT? The following materials are included in […]
When Women Rise
[…] end, participants committed to promote gender equality together in the workplace, home, and community through appropriate language, holding fast to women’s rights, and acting as “gender champions” for the transformation of others. As an organization committed to advancing gender equality, we celebrate this important dialogue and the impact it will have on the UCBC […]
Solar Panel Gratitude
Your gifts to our solar power project have resulted in a reliable and sustainable 24/7/365 power source for all of Congo Initiative’s programs based at UCBC. This is already transforming how we operate. Want to hear how? Please take a moment to watch and listen to students and staff describe the impact your generosity […]
History
[…] lack of visionary, civic-minded leadership.” – Jason Stearns, author of Dancing in the Glory of the Monster: The Collapse of the Congo and the Great War of Africa For most of the past 130 years, the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have often experienced corrupt, greedy, and oppressive leadership among those in […]
A Christmas Note
[…] A world where Mary and Joseph fled from their home and endured hardship, insecurity, and exclusion under Roman occupation. A world that has become all too familiar for our community and the population in Beni. Though we often feel powerless to bring positive change, we know we are not alone. God is with us. Words […]
THE CELEBRATION PHOTO GALLERY
[envira-gallery id=”4115″]... Read More →
PHOTO GALLERY: 10 YEARS
[envira-gallery id=”3663″]... Read More →
The Paul Robinson Scholarship Fund
[…] lifelong connection to the Democratic Republic of Congo, having been born and raised there until, at the age of 8, he became a refugee with his family. For most of his adult life, Paul has carried a very deep sense that God would one day bring his path full circle to reconnect with the […]
Why I send my children to ABC Primary School
A New Space, Same Vision
[…] Congo has worked tirelessly to prepare a new and more secure second campus located in Beni’s city center. The relocation will enable UCBC students to begin classes for the 2018-19 academic year. As has been recently reported, the wider Beni Region of North Kivu Province (including the outskirts of Beni) has seen a significant […]
Promoting Creation Care at UCBC
[…] the philosophy and the practice of “Ubuntu,” which is defined as “I am because we are,” are simple acts of caring for creation that impact all people. For example, “by taking a reusable bag to the store instead of taking one plastic bag from the seller,” minimizes waste that may have a long term impact. […]
NEWS AND UPDATES
Congo Initiative 1 day ago A group of 60 students and staff traveled to Kampala, Uganda last week before the start of exams. The group had time to relax and explore the city while also using the trip as a networking opportunity. Christian Basikania, the UCBC student body president, helped organize the trip and […]
UCBC opens Bethesda Counseling Center
[…] of 2016 attended as well. It was encouraging to see their support of Bethesda Counseling Center, especially since they worked with us and our small team be fore this inauguration. During the launching ceremony, director Noé Kasali shared about the vision and mission of Bethesda Counseling Center. He informed the attendees of all of […]
Solar power revolutionizes UCBC library, benefits the wider community
[…] his English class organized service-learning projects where they invited students from two high schools in Beni to teach them basic computer skills in English to our library. By allowing more access to computer-based resources, solar energy has empowered a whole new way of learning at the UCBC library! Please visit our solar power gratitude […]
Women rise up during International Women’s Day celebration
Joelle, Women’s Voices president (left), and Annie Kahindo, ABC Interim Director (right) We believe that supporting the economic, educational, and spiritual development of women is essential for the flourishing of communities in Congo. One way women’s empowerment is incorporated into Congo Initiative is through initiatives like UCBC’s Women’s Voices. Women’s Voices plays a crucial role […]
In Pictures: 2016 UCBC Graduation
[envira-gallery id=”2126″]... Read More →
In Mangina, change is real!
“Change for me is no longer a dream,” says Kavugho Mulenze, a confident, 52 year-old mother of 7 living in Mangodomu, a small village in the town of Mangina, located 30 Km west of Beni. Kavugho narrates energetically how she grew from a simple farmer, constantly worried about the survival of her family, into […]
UCBC campus is changing!
[…] Community Center continues and we just completed four new classrooms, each with a potential capacity of 90 students. We are now working on eight additional classrooms as we move forward towards the completion of the rest of the facility, including the chapel and auditorium space. This beautiful, multipurpose facility will serve as the heart of UCBC’s spiritual, academic, and […]
Welcoming Our New Development Director
[…] new position that has been created to expand CI-USA’s capacity in the ongoing cultivation and stewardship of partnerships with institutional and individual supporters. Shelly will be responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of CI-USA’s development strategy. As the first person to occupy this new role, Shelly will also have the opportunity to help […]
Kavira Angélique Malikidogo
“I feel compassion to care for all the community at UCBC and feel very blessed to participate in the service-learning program.” Kavira Angélique Malikidogo, a leader and mother to many, is often called by her fellow UCBC students, “Mama Malikidogo.” This is in part because she is in fact a mother of 5 children, but […]
This is the “new we”
[…] next steps in our journey together to bring transformation to this part of Central Africa. As we passed over the eastern fringes of the vast Ituri rain forest that defines this region, my thoughts turned to a similar flight almost 15 years ago. The Ituri Forest canopy. In 2002, the grasslands and rainforest of […]
[…] September 19th 9:00AM – 10:00AM CST REGISTER PACIFIC Saturday, September 26th, 9:00AM – 10:00AM PST REGISTER Where? These virtual events will be held on Zoom. Please download Zoom if you do not already have the software on your computer. We will send further instructions and the Zoom event link after you register. What’s […]
Student Spotlight: Abigael Masika Muhongya
[…] computer engineering student. Abigael has regularly scored at the top of every course I’ve taught – last semester she showed an excellent performance on my multivariable calculus exam (which was described by my American colleague as ‘brutal’). Here has been Abigael’s experience at UCBC in her own words (translated by myself). 1) Why did […]
Bethesda Counseling Center
We believe that counseling interventions are critical for personal and community transformation in a context that continues to experience domestic and political violence, as well as common mental and behavioral health challenges. Launched in 2016, Bethesda Counseling Center provides caring, loving and compassionate Christian counseling programs, including individual and group counseling; play therapy for […]
Butoto Mahinduzi
[…] to Beni in 2010 to the surprise of his father, who manages a small restaurant, mother who owns a small food stop. Understanding the importance of education for their children, Butoto’s parents do their best to provide educational opportunities for each of them. Some of his older siblings go to one of the best known […]
Links and Literature
[…] 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 Integrated Learning at UCBC in the DRC Structured Stakeholder Engagement Leads to Development of More Diverse and Insclusive […]
Invest in the future of Congo
[…] years of God’s faithfulness and the hope and resiliency of our community in Congo. We also celebrated your compassion and generosity as we continue to work together for the transformation of lives and communities in a part of the world often forgotten. 2020 was a disruptive year for all of us. Yet CI remains […]