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 […]
Blog
Why I Returned to Congo
Why I Returned to Congo
Developing sustainable businesses in eastern Congo is no small feat. A fragile infrastructure, ongoing insecurity, deadly outbreaks such as Ebola, and now the global pandemic makes business and even daily life in Congo hard. That is why UCBC alum, Butoto Mahinduzi, is not surprised when he is asked “Why did you come back to Congo?” […]
WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY
WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY
Congo Initiative stands in solidarity with the Black community and with protestors raising their voices calling for justice and an end to racism…. Read More →
Welcoming Our New Development Director
Welcoming Our New Development Director
It is with great joy and anticipation that we announce the hire of Shelly Johnston as Congo Initiative USA’s Development Director! This is a 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 […]
We Are Together
We Are Together
We are together. This is a line Congo Initiative staff continue to repeat to one another during these uncertain times. Whether virtually or through our limited activities safely implemented to continue serving the community, we remind one another of our solidarity as we all face a world shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. For years, the […]
Expanding Women’s Influence Requires More Than An Education
Expanding Women’s Influence Requires More Than An Education
Like the rest of the world, we are learning together about what gender equality means and how we all play a part in achieving it. For many women in Congo, just getting to study at a university seems like an impossible dream. But what we have learned at UCBC is that just providing education isn’t enough to support women’s equal access to jobs, influence, and achievement of their dreams. They also need to know that their community will support them enough to take risks required for growth. Both men and women are necessary to make this happen…. Read More →
We are together
We are together
We want you to know that we as the Congo Initiative family are here for you. You are important to us, and while we won’t be aware of every single way in which your life has been affected by COVID-19, we know that it has undoubtedly touched you in some way. Please know that you […]
An Equal Congo is an Enabled Congo
An Equal Congo is an Enabled Congo
International Women’s Day on March 8th provides an important opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements while calling for greater equality around the world. This year’s theme, each for equal proclaims that an equal world is an enabled world. At Congo Initiative, we are committed to breaking down the barriers to gender equality in Congo. We stand […]
Alumni Spotlight: Eleazar Nzoera
Alumni Spotlight: Eleazar Nzoera
Eleazar Nzoera remembers the exact hour he lost his mother. It was January 1, 2011 at 11:00 pm. His mother was an inspiration to him…. Read More →
Bethesda: A Place of Healing
Bethesda: A Place of Healing
Germain was just two years old when his village in Oicha was attacked by rebels in 2017. As gunfire disrupted the otherwise peaceful community, he hid with his parents under their bed. Amidst the chaos and for fear that the attackers would enter their home, his mother placed Germain on her back and ran for […]
A Step Toward Healing & Restoration
A Step Toward Healing & Restoration
In August 2018, the world’s second-largest Ebola outbreak struck eastern Congo and the Beni Territory. Since then, over 2200 people have died from the deadly disease. The outbreak, along with periods of insecurity and violence, has left many women, children, and men traumatized as they experience the loss of loved ones and witness the toll these threats take on their families and communities. But through your support and the Bethesda Counseling Center, they are finding ways to move forward. Bethesda journeys with those deeply affected by the Ebola outbreak as they take steps towards healing and restoration…. Read More →
Violence and Outbreaks Continue to Devastate Communities in Congo
Violence and Outbreaks Continue to Devastate Communities in Congo
Last week, over 50 people have been killed in the region of Beni. Meanwhile, though great strides have been made in the fight against Ebola, the virus remains a threat. In addition, a measles outbreak has claimed over 6000 lives throughout Congo. Though these horrific realities are not new to our community in Beni, we […]
A Deep Common Journey
Alumni Spotlight: Dieudonné Agaba
Alumni Spotlight: Dieudonné Agaba
The son of a teacher, Dieudonné Agaba (‘15) knew the importance of education from an early age. He also recognized the value of language …… Read More →
The Power of Team
The Power of Team
Our family sends our Christmas and New Year’s greetings to you as a friend, but more importantly, as a team member. Throughout our years of leadership, we have learned an important lesson – we can’t do it alone! We rely on the strength of a team…. Read More →
THE NEXT 500 IMPACT REPORT
Stand in Prayer with Beni: A Message from CI Co-Founder and President, David Kasali
Stand in Prayer with Beni: A Message from CI Co-Founder and President, David Kasali
Just a month ago, we asked you to stand in prayer for our CI community as we opened another academic year at the Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC). God answered. We enrolled 155 new students [who joined 200 returning students] and celebrated as all of CI’s programs continued their crucial work of equipping transformational […]
Alumni Spotlight: Miché Lughembe
Alumni Spotlight: Miché Lughembe
Miché Kakule Lughembe studied Biblical Counseling and Psychology in the Theology Faculty at UCBC. He now serves as a pastor at a church…… Read More →
Alumni Spotlight: Anuarite Kahambu
Alumni Spotlight: Anuarite Kahambu
After graduating from secondary school and succeeding in the state exams, Anuarite Mathe Kahambu, set her sights on the next…… Read More →
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS!
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 […]
Alumni Spotlight: Esther Lubemba
Alumni Spotlight: Esther Lubemba
Esther Lubemba (’19) shares her excitement on graduation day.
A NEW SEASON
A NEW SEASON
On August 3rd, over 50 students from Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC) walked across the stage in Hope Chapel to receive their diplomas. Around 30 additional students will defend their theses and graduate by the end of September. As the community celebrated the incredible achievements of these future leaders, Congo Initiative (CI) and UCBC […]
EBOLA: A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY OF INTERNATIONAL CONCERN
EBOLA: A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY OF INTERNATIONAL CONCERN
On Wednesday, July 17th, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement declaring the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) “a public health emergency of 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 […]
NEWS AND UPDATES
NEWS AND UPDATES
One of the primary ways we share news and updates online is on our Facebook page. But, we understand not everyone uses Facebook and therefore we wanted to provide an easy way to stay updated. Therefore, we are pleased to share our News and Updates via Facebook Feed on this post. … Read More →
A Christmas Note
A Christmas Note
Dear Friends of Congo Initiative, As you gather with family and friends this week, Kaswera and I want to take the opportunity to wish you a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. As a community united in Christ, we celebrate together the birth of Emmanuel – God with us. This year, however, we express our Christmas […]
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
“The population is so traumatized that everything for them is viewed through the lens of distrust of authority, physical insecurity, and the inability of the world to protect them. These viruses manage to exploit social vulnerabilities and fault lines. That’s what we’re seeing in this Ebola outbreak starkly.” Peter Salama, head of the World Health […]
THE NEXT 500 IMPACT REPORT
A New Space, Same Vision
A New Space, Same Vision
After a long day coordinating renovations at UCBC’s new “city campus,” UCBC alum and current Work Program Coordinator, Stephen Salama, congratulated close to 100 UCBC students and staff who participated in the special work program last weekend. He ended the day by sharing images of what they accomplished and left them with this message: “Together […]
UPDATE ON INSECURITY & THE EBOLA VIRUS IN EASTERN CONGO
UPDATE ON INSECURITY & THE EBOLA VIRUS IN EASTERN CONGO
On August 1, 2018, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) declared a new outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in North Kivu and Ituri provinces in the northeast part of the country. (Congo Initiative is based in Beni, North Kivu, just a few miles from the initial epicenter of the outbreak.) […]
The Next 500 Future Leaders of Congo
The Next 500 Future Leaders of Congo
For over a decade, Congo Initiative’s global community has witnessed the impact of UCBC on lives of students, staff, and alumni. Now close to 600 UCBC alumni work and serve across Congo and beyond, creating change in their communities and embodying Christian hope and transformation. In a context that remains challenging and complex, dedicated alumni […]
“A mother to all” – Honoring Maman Marie Kercan
“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 many […]
Remembering Dr. W. Howard Brown
Remembering Dr. W. Howard Brown
The last couples weeks have been incredibly difficult for the Congo Initiative community. We lost two beloved members – CI-USA board member, Dr. W. Howard Brown, and UCBC staff member, Maman Marie Kercan. On Sunday, September 16, 2018, Dr. Brown passed away suddenly in South Carolina. Howard was a man of deep faith, joy, and love. […]
Why I send my children to ABC Primary School
STATEMENT ON EBOLA OUTBREAK IN EASTERN CONGO
STATEMENT ON EBOLA OUTBREAK IN EASTERN CONGO
On August 1, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) declared a new outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in North Kivu and Ituri provinces in the northeast part of the country. (Congo Initiative is based in Beni, North Kivu, just a few miles from the epicenter of the outbreak.) Since then, […]
A MESSAGE FROM DR. DAVID KASALI TO 2018 UCBC GRADUATES
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 God’s […]
BBC: DR CONGO’S JOURNEY INTO CHAOS
BBC: DR CONGO’S JOURNEY INTO CHAOS
The BBC recently released a new video that looks at what went wrong in the Democratic Republic of Congo and how this history, as well as the present, continue to inhibit what could be one of the world’s wealthiest countries from flourishing. For Congo Initiative, this is just another reminder why we believe our work […]
Student Stories: Sylvie Lukala
Student Stories: Sylvie Lukala
Sylvie Lukala has a message for the people of Congo. Well, really for the world. “I do not want to see them underestimate women…… Read More →
UCBC JOINS THE FIGHT AGAINST PLASTIC
UCBC JOINS THE FIGHT AGAINST PLASTIC
Each June, advocates around the world come together for World Environment Day, a celebration and movement that draws attention to the most pressing environmental issues of our time. It is no surprise that UCBC students and staff join the global community in this effort, hosting every year a week-long initiative that promotes “Creation Care.” At […]
THE VOICE OF TRANSFORMATION
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…. Read More →
Alumni Spotlight: Baraka Merdi
Alumni Spotlight: Baraka Merdi
Holding a tightly packaged bag of banana powder, Baraka Merdi (’16) stands proudly in front of his Mavuno office…… Read More →
Student Stories: Hekima Kalumni
Student Stories: Hekima Kalumni
UCBC agribusiness student, Hekima Kalumni, played a key role in organizing the 2018 Women’s Voices conference centered on the theme…… Read More →
Student Stories: David Bakwanamaha
Student Stories: David Bakwanamaha
Meet one of the future leaders of Congo, David Kasereka Bakwanamaha. Unlike many UCBC students, David is not the first in his family to attend a … Read More →
“We will not wait for the world to tell us who we are!”
“We will not wait for the world to tell us who we are!”
As we know, people around the world are joining together in the continued fight for women’s rights, equal pay, security, and justice. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, UCBC’s Women’s Voices has entered that fight, encouraging students and the wider community to challenge the pervasiveness of sexual violence against women and the norm of undervaluing […]
Alumni Spotlight: Juliette Mali
Alumni Spotlight: Juliette Mali
What did four years at l’Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC) mean for Juliette Kavugho Mali (’14)? The youngest of three girls…… Read More →
CURRENT OPENING: GENERAL DIRECTOR, ABC PRIMARY SCHOOL
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 coordinator, […]
2017 ANNUAL 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…. Read More →
Three UCBC alumni, three stories of impact
The Paul Robinson Scholarship Fund
The Paul Robinson Scholarship Fund
Dr. Paul Robinson has a 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 […]
Partner Stories: Tim and Cindy
Partner Stories: Tim and Cindy
“I’ve seen for myself what is happening. It’s exciting and I have real hope and confidence that CI and UCBC are making a difference.”… Read More →
Alumni Spotlight: Steve Kanyangambi
Alumni Spotlight: Steve Kanyangambi
Steve Kanayngambi (’12) is now known in Beni for his multimedia production for artists and local NGOs. As a UCBC alumnus, he is …… Read More →
Alumni Spotlight: Joella Mbiliki
Alumni Spotlight: Joella Mbiliki
How can we know women voices if that voice cannot be heard? That is why our vision is to visit those women, to speak to them, holding…… Read More →
Partner Stories: Chelsie
Partner Stories: Chelsie
“I’m supporting UCBC because I’ve seen it make a difference in the lives of young Congolese leaders. I truly believe these students will …”… Read More →
This is the “new we”
This is the “new we”
Exactly one month ago, I found myself on a charter plane flying west from Uganda, over some of Africa’s most beautiful and yet most conflicted countryside. A group of us from the U.S. were flying to Beni, in Congo’s troubled North Kivu province, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Congo Initiative’s Christian Bilingual University of […]
Alumni Spotlight: Amos Taluliva
Alumni Spotlight: Amos Taluliva
Amos Kambale Taluliva (’12) shares about his work with youth in Congo that was inspired by his education and experience at UCBC. … Read More →
Alumni Spotlight: Adelphine Angemito
Alumni Spotlight: Adelphine Angemito
Adelphine Angemito graduated in 2013. She now serves as a human resources coordinator for Congo Initiative in Beni.
… Read More →
Alumni Spotlight: Linda Musavuli
Alumni Spotlight: Linda Musavuli
When Linda Kasali Musavuli first moved to Beni, she did not plan to study at UCBC. After attending secondary school in the big city …… Read More →
Alumni Spotlight: Clarisse Ngoyi
Alumni Spotlight: Clarisse Ngoyi
When the Academic Dean for Teaching, Innocent Bora, read the academic results at the 2016 UCBC graduation, the crowd erupted …… Read More →
Partner Stories: Esther
Partner Stories: Esther
“The anticipation that comes with knowing these new leaders are going out there to influence others around them in whatever field…”… Read More →
WAKISHA LAUNCHES EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM
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 communities. […]
THE CELEBRATION PHOTO GALLERY
THE CELEBRATION PHOTO GALLERY
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