Student Stories

“I came to understand that when God decides to bless you, no one can block what He has decided.” These words from Kavira Matofali Mélanie serve as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and grace.

Kavira is a student in the Electronic Engineering department of Applied Sciences at UCBC. As one of multiple children, Kavira knew that she wanted to continue her studies beyond the secondary level and attend university. However, with a brother and sister who were enrolled at universities, her father was not financially able to afford her school fees. Kavira did not let this obstacle prevent her from her goals, and after receiving encouragement from a UCBC staff member, she decided to enroll with money she had saved from working as a decorator. Thanks to support through the NEXT 500 Future Leaders of Congo campaign, a scholarship program that covers over 80% of tuition through U.S. donors, a mere $15 enabled her to enroll at UCBC. Then, because with the support of her sister and an additional scholarship she received from the university, Kavira has been able to continue receiving a transformative education

A woman with big goals, Kavira aspires to start a business in the future which will focus on repurposing recycled plastic to reduce the amount of plastic waste in Congo and the world. Not only has her time at UCBC provided the opportunity for her to learn, explore new areas of knowledge, and combine conventional knowledge with practical experience through internships and specific course offerings, it has also strengthened her on a personal level. “Through my time at UCBC, I have learned maturity. Through difficulties, I learned to act with wisdom. I also learned endurance and how to love. I learned who I am,” Kavria reflects.

UCBC holds a special place in Kavira’s heart and reflects the Kindom of God in profound ways. As an institution, one can see God’s provisions for His children through stories like Kavira’s. Kavira notes,“UCBC is like a family and we help each other with our problems, just as God helps each of us.”

We celebrate Kavira, her courage, her transformation, and we look forward to her graduation this year.

Sylvie Lukala has a message for the people of Congo. Well, really for the world.

“I do not want to see them underestimate women. We need to trust women at school or in different environments they work. I want to say to women and girls never to be underestimated in life, because all people have their potential…their qualities, and are able to do something. If not to say a word, maybe to dance, if it is not to dance, maybe to walk well.”

As the new secretary of Women’s Voices, Lukala is passionate about lifting up women and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. And, she has a dream of her own – to one day start a fashion business that provides employment opportunities for women.

“Fashion is a passion for me. Even from a young age, my parents told me I was too into clothing and dress up too much,” she said with a laugh.

Born in Bukavu, her family arrived in Beni because of her father’s work with the international organization, Oxfam. In her family of 11 (6 sisters and 4 brothers), education was always encouraged and prioritized. Though Lukala is not the first to attend a university, she believes UCBC is different and provides a unique opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve her goals and dreams.

“For my future life I have goals, but before UCBC I did not know how I can make them concrete. But now, I understand that we must not only have dreams, but we must also know how to accomplish them. Once we limit ourselves only to dreaming and not to accomplishing, we risk dreaming forever while not accomplishing anything,” she explained.

Lukala is aware that throughout society in general, but also at other universities, women face an uphill battle when it comes to achieving their dreams. This is why UCBC plays an important role in her life and why the student-led group, Women’s Voices, continues to act as a foundational support.

“Other universities tend to reject a woman’s opinion and underestimate her. You also do not see a lot of women staff or faculty members. But, here at UCBC, this is not the case. UCBC offers a space where women have opportunities to get positions. We can even notice it by seeing women in the offices and in the classroom,” she said.

One of these staff members is UCBC alumna, Adelphine Angemito(13’), now serves as the Human Resource Officer for Congo Initiative. Angemito played a key role in establishing Women’s Voices and continues to mentor student leaders as they continue to promote gender equality. Lukala found her footing through Angemito’s mentorship and the group.

“Mrs. Adelphine Angemito taught us a lot just by the way she carries herself professionally and encourages other women to dream and to go after those dreams. Before being a part of the Women’s Voices group, I did not know that I had leadership qualities in me. Women’s Voices helped me discover who I am, where I belong, and what is possible to achieve as a woman,” Lukala said.

But, Angemito shares her own admiration and appreciation for Lukala.

“Since she arrived at UCBC, she dedicated herself to serving the group and enhancing its communication. She even dreams of starting a Women’s Voices print magazine, radio broadcast, and web presence. She is a great leader who is committed to expanding Women’s Voices presence in the community,” she said.

Following the footsteps of past leaders like Angemito, Lukala finds strength in faith and calls for unity and collaboration when it comes to promoting equality.

“Every woman is called to discover first who she is and what she can do. She can discover her identity in Christ as a model, trusting in herself, and being the one to define her life. For men and women in my family and in the community, I want them to live in unity, and men to accompany and trust women to accomplish something good.”