Adelphine Angemito graduated in 2013. She now serves as human resources coordinator for Congo Initiative in Beni.
The Next 500 Future Leaders of Congo
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Adelphine Angemito graduated in 2013. She now serves as human resources coordinator for Congo Initiative in Beni.
When Linda Kasali Musavuli first moved to Beni, she did not plan to study at UCBC. After attending secondary school in the big city and capital, Kinshasa, she could not imagine leaving the larger universities of the city for a young university in the town of Beni. In fact, she wanted to study some day in the U.S. or Canada. But, after some convincing from family and friends, she decided to attend an orientation at UCBC and participate in the intensive English courses.
On the second day, she began to appreciate the environment and community at UCBC. She began to feel a stir in her heart and felt “God was opening her eyes, helping her see beyond what she was seeing.” Though not entirely ready and cautious, she decided to stay in Beni and enroll.
Learning to balance life as a student and eventually, as a spouse and mother, her experience at UCBC not only provided an environment to grow academically and spiritually, it prepared her for future opportunities.
“The intensive courses were difficult. But, when I went to African International University (AIU) in Nairobi I realized it helped me, made me stronger to face challenges. At AIU, they have a semester schedule where you take one course the entire semester. But, at one time I was taking 7-8 courses and even my lecturers were concerned. But, I told him I would make it because I knew I succeeded at UCBC. So, it was a challenge that became an opportunity and I succeeded because of the preparation at UCBC,” she said.
Watch Linda describe the important role UCBC plays in Congo and why she is excited to be back as part of the staff!
Linda graduated from AIU with a Masters of Divinity in Missions in 2016 and has returned to Beni with her husband, Jean Musavuli, to work with the Faculty of Theology and the Center for Church Renewal and Global Mission. She is excited to join the UCBC team and serve as a leader, mentoring students through their own transformation and encouraging especially women to take on studies and leadership roles.
When the Academic Dean for Teaching, Innocent Bora, read the academic results at the 2016 UCBC graduation, the crowd erupted in cheers when Clarisse Ngoyi’s name was read. Ngoyi graduated with distinction and at the top gradu-ate in her class.
A native of Beni and the daughter of parents working in the medical profession, Ngoyi grew up knowing the importance of education. Both her parents serve in the medical profession at a local hospital. Ngoyi’s interests, however, were in communications, and she was pleased to hear a university in her hometown offered such a program. More over, she was drawn to UCBC’s mission and values.
“I chose to attend UCBC because I wanted to study at university different from others in DRC. UCBC is exalting some good spiritual values and virtues that we don’t find in other universities in DRC,” Ngoyi said.
One of the challenges in Congo is the presence of hierarchal and sometimes corrupt administration of schools and universities. For a passionate and committed student like Ngoyi, attending a university that provided a comfortable space was crucial.
Reflecting on her time at UCBC and comparing it with what she has heard about other universities in Congo, Ngoyi explained, “I enjoyed the community life. We shared our lives without any fear. We were considered equal to staff members and there was no corruption. As I studied my courses, I received the grade I deserved. In other universities, it is hard to get the grade you deserve.”
For Ngoyi, her studies are on the one hand, her passion. She loves to study, to learn, to engage challenging concepts and think how they apply to her chosen field of communications. But, she is also aware of the gender disparity, and the important role education plays in creating future opportunities for women. As a student and a member of Women’s Voices, Ngoyi worked to promote women in education and continues to encourage female students to participate fearlessly in a culture that remains male-dominated.
“I try to tell women not to be discouraged or underestimate themselves thinking that they are inferior compared to men in the faculty of their choice, in the choice of university. We are all the same and equal and they should feel themselves able to also go to school because it’s very important for a woman to study,” Ngoyi said.
As a graduate, Ngoyi hopes to find a job opportunity in Beni, incorporating the spirit of service and community garnered during her time at UCBC. But, her true desire is to pursue graduate studies and look for opportunities to excel in her field – opportunities to improve her country.
“I chose communications, thinking how can I benefit my country and people in need. I want to deepen my knowledge in my domain so I can work effectively and help my country. I believe through our new generation we can change the situation in Congo.”