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Congo Initiative

Congo Initiative equips the rising generation through transformative education for a flourishing Congo.

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“THERE IS LIFE HERE”

Jun 29, 2023
Central to our mission and organizational culture is the importance of partnership. The significance of partners who support us through prayer, resources, and presence cannot be overstated. For many of our friends and partners, it has been understandably difficult to practice presence over the past five years. The Ebola outbreak, COVID pandemic, and periods of […]

“THERE IS LIFE HERE”

June 29, 2023 by Meredith Benson

Central to our mission and organizational culture is the importance of partnership. The significance of partners who support us through prayer, resources, and presence cannot be overstated. For many of our friends and partners, it has been understandably difficult to practice presence over the past five years. The Ebola outbreak, COVID pandemic, and periods of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

More than a diploma

Mar 21, 2023
An air of intense expectancy and excitement charged the normally quiet late afternoon stillness and heat at Beni’s airport. The students of Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC), together with faculty and leaders, had flocked to the airport awaiting a flight from Kinshasa with the university’s Rector, Dr. Honoré Bunduki Kwany. He stepped off the […]

More than a diploma

March 21, 2023 by Justin Hubbard

An air of intense expectancy and excitement charged the normally quiet late afternoon stillness and heat at Beni’s airport. The students of Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC), together with faculty and leaders, had flocked to the airport awaiting a flight from Kinshasa with the university’s Rector, Dr. Honoré Bunduki Kwany. He stepped off the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

JOIN OUR TEAM: COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Jan 19, 2023
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: Congo Initiative is a global community of Congolese leaders and international partners united for the transformation of lives and a flourishing Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Congo Initiative USA invests in higher education, leadership development, and community transformation through our partner organization Congo Initiative – Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (CI-UCBC) located in […]

JOIN OUR TEAM: COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

January 19, 2023 by Justin Hubbard

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: Congo Initiative is a global community of Congolese leaders and international partners united for the transformation of lives and a flourishing Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Congo Initiative USA invests in higher education, leadership development, and community transformation through our partner organization Congo Initiative – Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (CI-UCBC) located in […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

2022 Advent Reflections

Nov 23, 2022
[pdf-embedder url=”https://congoinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Congo-Initiative-2022-Advent-Reflections-1.pdf” title=”Congo Initiative – 2022 Advent Reflections”]

2022 Advent Reflections

November 23, 2022 by Justin Hubbard

[pdf-embedder url=”https://congoinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Congo-Initiative-2022-Advent-Reflections-1.pdf” title=”Congo Initiative – 2022 Advent Reflections”]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Let Your Light Shine

Nov 15, 2022
Every person is given a lifetime opportunity to impact people and their community because we are all endowed by God with unfathomable potentials. At CI-UCBC, our commitment is to unleash every student and staff member’s potential to participate in creating thriving communities, a just society and a flourishing nation. As you go into the professional […]

Let Your Light Shine

November 15, 2022 by Justin Hubbard

Every person is given a lifetime opportunity to impact people and their community because we are all endowed by God with unfathomable potentials. At CI-UCBC, our commitment is to unleash every student and staff member’s potential to participate in creating thriving communities, a just society and a flourishing nation. As you go into the professional […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

SHAPING LAND REFORM FOR A MORE PEACEFUL CONGO

Jun 7, 2022
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 […]

SHAPING LAND REFORM FOR A MORE PEACEFUL CONGO

June 7, 2022 by Justin Hubbard

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Introducing Congo Initiative – USA’s New Executive Director

Jan 18, 2022
Dear Friends of Congo Initiative, On behalf of the board of directors of Congo Initiative – USA (CI-USA), we’re excited to share the result of our Executive Director search. After conducting an external search and interviewing a slate of three finalists, one of whom was our acting Executive Director, Justin Hubbard, we have confirmed Justin […]

Introducing Congo Initiative – USA’s New Executive Director

January 18, 2022 by Justin Hubbard

Dear Friends of Congo Initiative, On behalf of the board of directors of Congo Initiative – USA (CI-USA), we’re excited to share the result of our Executive Director search. After conducting an external search and interviewing a slate of three finalists, one of whom was our acting Executive Director, Justin Hubbard, we have confirmed Justin […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

JOIN OUR MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAM

May 15, 2021

JOIN OUR MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAM

May 15, 2021 by Justin Hubbard

Filed Under: Featured

Invest in the future of Congo

Dec 18, 2020
This year, Congo Initiative (CI) celebrated 15 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 […]

Invest in the future of Congo

December 18, 2020 by Justin Hubbard

This year, Congo Initiative (CI) celebrated 15 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 […]

Filed Under: Featured

Hope for Africa

Nov 16, 2020
Is there hope for Africa? This question has shaped much of Dr. David Kasali’s life and work as an academic and theological thinker and his years of leadership experience across Africa. Come and hear why he believes that the answer is a resounding “yes!” Please join us online for our DR Congo Discussion Group on […]

Hope for Africa

November 16, 2020 by Justin Hubbard

Is there hope for Africa? This question has shaped much of Dr. David Kasali’s life and work as an academic and theological thinker and his years of leadership experience across Africa. Come and hear why he believes that the answer is a resounding “yes!” Please join us online for our DR Congo Discussion Group on […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Paluku’s Path to Freedom

Oct 12, 2020
On April 4th, 2019, high school student Paluku was walking home when he passed the local radio station in the rural town of Oicha. Out of nowhere, the station director came running out of the compound shouting “mwizi” [“thief” in Swahili], apprehended him, and took him to the local police where he stayed for a […]

Paluku’s Path to Freedom

October 12, 2020 by Justin Hubbard

On April 4th, 2019, high school student Paluku was walking home when he passed the local radio station in the rural town of Oicha. Out of nowhere, the station director came running out of the compound shouting “mwizi” [“thief” in Swahili], apprehended him, and took him to the local police where he stayed for a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Career Opportunity: Executive Director, CI-USA

Sep 15, 2020
Congo Initiative is an envisioned community of Christ-centered Congolese leaders and global partners united for the transformation of lives and a flourishing Democratic Republic of Congo. The mission of Congo Initiative USA is to promote Christian higher education, leadership formation, and community transformation in the DRC by providing financial and personnel support for Cl’s founding […]

Career Opportunity: Executive Director, CI-USA

September 15, 2020 by Justin Hubbard

Congo Initiative is an envisioned community of Christ-centered Congolese leaders and global partners united for the transformation of lives and a flourishing Democratic Republic of Congo. The mission of Congo Initiative USA is to promote Christian higher education, leadership formation, and community transformation in the DRC by providing financial and personnel support for Cl’s founding […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Celebrating 15 Years: Kawa with Congo

Aug 31, 2020
Join Us! Please join your friends in Congo for a morning of coffee (“kawa”) and VIRTUAL (online) celebration on one of three Saturdays in September. Grab a cup of coffee or tea to enjoy during the celebration! You will have the opportunity to see and hear firsthand the impact Congo Initiative has made in eastern […]

Celebrating 15 Years: Kawa with Congo

August 31, 2020 by Justin Hubbard

Join Us! Please join your friends in Congo for a morning of coffee (“kawa”) and VIRTUAL (online) celebration on one of three Saturdays in September. Grab a cup of coffee or tea to enjoy during the celebration! You will have the opportunity to see and hear firsthand the impact Congo Initiative has made in eastern […]

Filed Under: Featured

WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY

Jun 4, 2020
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 →

WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY

June 4, 2020 by Justin Hubbard

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 →

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

We Are Together

Apr 27, 2020
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 […]

We Are Together

April 27, 2020 by Justin Hubbard

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

We are together

Mar 24, 2020
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 […]

We are together

March 24, 2020 by Justin Hubbard

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 […]

Filed Under: Featured

THE NEXT 500 IMPACT REPORT

Dec 11, 2018

THE NEXT 500 IMPACT REPORT

December 11, 2018 by Justin Hubbard

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

The Next 500 Future Leaders of Congo

Oct 30, 2018
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 […]

The Next 500 Future Leaders of Congo

October 30, 2018 by Justin Hubbard

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Remembering Dr. W. Howard Brown

Sep 27, 2018
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. […]

Remembering Dr. W. Howard Brown

September 27, 2018 by Justin Hubbard

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. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

STATEMENT ON EBOLA OUTBREAK IN EASTERN CONGO

Aug 6, 2018
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, […]

STATEMENT ON EBOLA OUTBREAK IN EASTERN CONGO

August 6, 2018 by Justin Hubbard

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, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

UCBC JOINS THE FIGHT AGAINST PLASTIC

Jul 3, 2018
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 […]

UCBC JOINS THE FIGHT AGAINST PLASTIC

July 3, 2018 by Justin Hubbard

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

This is the “new we”

Oct 31, 2017
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 […]

This is the “new we”

October 31, 2017 by Justin Hubbard

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Why we are celebrating 10 years of hope & transformation

Jul 25, 2017

Why we are celebrating 10 years of hope & transformation

July 25, 2017 by Justin Hubbard

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

The UCBC Integrated Research Institute Works to Revitalize Congo’s Coffee Sector

May 16, 2017
Coffee is DR Congo’s number one agricultural export in terms of both revenue and volume.[1]  Endowed with a favorable climate, rich soil, and abundant rainfall, DRC has the environmental conditions to produce some of the best coffees in the world. Despite its promise, DRC’s coffee sector has yet to fulfill its potential. But, that could […]

The UCBC Integrated Research Institute Works to Revitalize Congo’s Coffee Sector

May 16, 2017 by Justin Hubbard

Coffee is DR Congo’s number one agricultural export in terms of both revenue and volume.[1]  Endowed with a favorable climate, rich soil, and abundant rainfall, DRC has the environmental conditions to produce some of the best coffees in the world. Despite its promise, DRC’s coffee sector has yet to fulfill its potential. But, that could […]

Filed Under: Agribusiness, Blog, Featured

WATCH: Bethesda Counseling Center

May 2, 2017
[ci-button link=”https://congoinitiative.salsalabs.org/bethesda_counseling_center/index.html”]Bethesda Counseling Center[/ci-button]

WATCH: Bethesda Counseling Center

May 2, 2017 by Justin Hubbard

[ci-button link=”https://congoinitiative.salsalabs.org/bethesda_counseling_center/index.html”]Bethesda Counseling Center[/ci-button]

Filed Under: Featured

Watch Dr. David Kasali’s plenary address at the 2017 HNGR Symposium

Apr 20, 2017

Watch Dr. David Kasali’s plenary address at the 2017 HNGR Symposium

April 20, 2017 by Justin Hubbard

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

New Look, Same Purpose

Mar 20, 2017
As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we are thrilled to reveal our new look! One year ago we began a journey of seeking to better understand who we are and how to communicate with our diverse supporters in clear and compelling ways. The process involved conversations with employees and board members, our Congolese community, and our […]

New Look, Same Purpose

March 20, 2017 by Justin Hubbard

As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we are thrilled to reveal our new look! One year ago we began a journey of seeking to better understand who we are and how to communicate with our diverse supporters in clear and compelling ways. The process involved conversations with employees and board members, our Congolese community, and our […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Join Dr. David Kasali at the 2017 HNGR Symposium

Mar 6, 2017
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 […]

Join Dr. David Kasali at the 2017 HNGR Symposium

March 6, 2017 by Justin Hubbard

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

We are the Democratic Republic of Congo

Dec 9, 2016
We are young women and men, students studying at the Bilingual Christian University of Congo (UCBC), located in Beni, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. In this year, 2016, we continue to live in a war zone, despite the peace agreements of 2002 that marked the official end of our country’s Great War, and […]

We are the Democratic Republic of Congo

December 9, 2016 by Justin Hubbard

We are young women and men, students studying at the Bilingual Christian University of Congo (UCBC), located in Beni, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. In this year, 2016, we continue to live in a war zone, despite the peace agreements of 2002 that marked the official end of our country’s Great War, and […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

#GIVINGTUESDAY 11.29.16

Nov 21, 2016
Congo Initiative is participating for the first time, in #GivingTuesday, on November 29, 2016. #GivingTuesday is a movement that celebrates generosity and kicks off the season of giving in the U.S. and elsewhere. Starting Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, at 12:00 a.m. and continuing until 11:59 p.m. EST, you can join the giving movement and make […]

#GIVINGTUESDAY 11.29.16

November 21, 2016 by Justin Hubbard

Congo Initiative is participating for the first time, in #GivingTuesday, on November 29, 2016. #GivingTuesday is a movement that celebrates generosity and kicks off the season of giving in the U.S. and elsewhere. Starting Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, at 12:00 a.m. and continuing until 11:59 p.m. EST, you can join the giving movement and make […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Designing spaces of transformation

Oct 24, 2016
When Matthieu Lembelembe graduated high school in Bukavu, DRC, he planned to pursue medical studies. But, seeing the situation in his country and the consequences of decades of war, he became determined to contribute to the rebuilding of his country in the very literal sense. Now a graduate of architecture, Lemblembe is now overseeing the […]

Designing spaces of transformation

October 24, 2016 by Justin Hubbard

When Matthieu Lembelembe graduated high school in Bukavu, DRC, he planned to pursue medical studies. But, seeing the situation in his country and the consequences of decades of war, he became determined to contribute to the rebuilding of his country in the very literal sense. Now a graduate of architecture, Lemblembe is now overseeing the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Video by Eastern Congo Initiative highlights UCBC

Aug 4, 2016

Video by Eastern Congo Initiative highlights UCBC

August 4, 2016 by Justin Hubbard

Filed Under: Featured

Revitalizing coffee in Congo

May 26, 2016
In Beni, a once prominent hub for coffee production, UCBC alumni and students are also aware of the resurgence of Congo’s coffee industry and its importance for stability in the region. ... Read More →

Revitalizing coffee in Congo

May 26, 2016 by Justin Hubbard

In Beni, a once prominent hub for coffee production, UCBC alumni and students are also aware of the resurgence of Congo’s coffee industry and its importance for stability in the region. … Read More →

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Remembering Papa Manassé

May 12, 2016
On April 27, 2016, Congo Initiative, UCBC, and the local church, La Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l’Afrique (CEBCA), lost a pillar in the community, Mbusa Kamabu Thaluliba Manassé.... Read More →

Remembering Papa Manassé

May 12, 2016 by Justin Hubbard

On April 27, 2016, Congo Initiative, UCBC, and the local church, La Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l’Afrique (CEBCA), lost a pillar in the community, Mbusa Kamabu Thaluliba Manassé…. Read More →

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

2015 Annual Report

Mar 11, 2016
Download 2015 Annual Report

2015 Annual Report

March 11, 2016 by Justin Hubbard

Download 2015 Annual Report

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Prioritizing Creation Care in Congo

Sep 13, 2015
If you have had the chance to visit Congo, or even see photos, you might agree with Dr. Margaret Mwenda, who said in her 2015 UCBC graduation commencement address, “When God created the world, He must have started with Congo!” Everything in Congo is so lush and green... Read More →

Prioritizing Creation Care in Congo

September 13, 2015 by Justin Hubbard

If you have had the chance to visit Congo, or even see photos, you might agree with Dr. Margaret Mwenda, who said in her 2015 UCBC graduation commencement address, “When God created the world, He must have started with Congo!” Everything in Congo is so lush and green… Read More →

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Creation Care: Campus Conversations

Mar 8, 2015
Already a light in its corner of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congo Initiative is positioned to set an example of ethical stewardship through caring for the created world. DRC boasts rich and biologically diverse forests, extensive waterways, and vast mineral deposits. However... Read More →

Creation Care: Campus Conversations

March 8, 2015 by Justin Hubbard

Already a light in its corner of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congo Initiative is positioned to set an example of ethical stewardship through caring for the created world. DRC boasts rich and biologically diverse forests, extensive waterways, and vast mineral deposits. However… Read More →

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

Women’s Voices

Feb 24, 2015
If you educate a man, you educate an individual. If you educate a woman, you educate a nation. (Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey) It’s official! Women’s Voices is a formal entity at UCBC, complete with a motto--“Confidence, Influence, Identity in Christ,” stated objectives, and officers.... Read More →

Women’s Voices

February 24, 2015 by Justin Hubbard

If you educate a man, you educate an individual. If you educate a woman, you educate a nation. (Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey) It’s official! Women’s Voices is a formal entity at UCBC, complete with a motto–“Confidence, Influence, Identity in Christ,” stated objectives, and officers…. Read More →

Filed Under: Blog, Featured

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