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The Next 500 Future Leaders of Congo

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Student Stories

Mar 17 2023

STUDENT STORIES: KAHASA MULIHAVYA

In January 2023, Benediction Mulihavya Kahasa celebrated with her peers the launch of the academic year. Kahasa comes from Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu. She learned about UCBC through her brother who attends the university and spoke highly of the institution’s values and commitment to excellence. She wanted to study in an environment that encouraged her faith and spiritual journey.

A second-year student studying electromechanical engineering in the UCBC Applied Science faculty, Kahasa describes herself as a “brave and ambitious woman.” “I have a vision to design an automatic hoe-planter since we live in communities that are predominantly agricultural. I think creating this will be a great contribution to my community,” she said.

As a woman, Kahasa is aware of the challenges and underestimation she faces in a field dominated by men and a society that remains steeped in patriarchy. In order to succeed as a student, Kahasa needs to wake up very early and go to bed late every day just to complete all her responsibilities at home and at school. “We do it this way so that we can achieve our goal of contributing something substantial to our society.”

“I would say to all women to be strong and determined despite the difficulties and especially not to be broken by words of discouragement coming from our environment because, through determination and commitment, we can succeed.”

Written by Justin Hubbard · Categorized: Student Stories, Uncategorized, Women's Voices

Jun 30 2021

STUDENT STORIES: KAVIRA MATOFALI

“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.

Written by Justin Hubbard · Categorized: Student Stories, Women's Voices

Jul 03 2018

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. 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.

Sylvie and Adephine Angemito

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.”

Written by Justin Hubbard · Categorized: Student Stories, Women's Voices

May 07 2018

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, “Invest in the Transformational Leadership of Women.” Her extraordinary leadership encourages other female students to be bold in their educational pursuits and to recognize their strength as leaders, even if the world around them tries to tell them otherwise. For students like Kalumni, waiting on the world to change is not an option. Surrounded by a supportive community like Women’s Voices, she and other women in Congo know now is the time to discover their identity as leaders.

However, Hekima did not always have this confidence. Before coming to UCBC, she had “low self-esteem” and did not recognize her qualities and strengths. In her first year, Hekima began to recognize her potential as well as her role in leading transformation in Congo. She grew passionate about agribusiness and now wants to encourage others to pursue agricultural entrepreneurship. She witnessed older female students become leaders at UCBC, and eventually as alumni working in the wider community. And now, not only is she serving as a role model to younger students but as the second child of nine and the oldest daughter, Hekima is setting the stage for generations to come by attending a university and becoming a transformational leader.

“I have visions [for the future of Congo]. My long-term vision is to work towards the development of my country. My short-term vision is to encourage youth to be involved in agriculture entrepreneurship. I want to motivate farmers and create opportunities for them so they can sell their products,” Hekima explained.

In her first few years at UCBC, Hekima learned the important role women can play in leading agribusiness initiatives. She recognizes that “women have potential in various domains. But, in agriculture, UN studies show that with the same technological, financial, agriculture material conditions, women are 30% more productive than men. UNESCO has also shown that for an educated woman, her child has a 50% chance live beyond 5 years.”

For these reasons, investing in women’s education and agribusiness is critical for improving the livelihoods of women, children, and men in Congo. The good news, Hekima shared, is that “investment in women has already started; we can see it here at UCBC! I am among those who were selected for an agribusiness scholarship for women. For those who received this scholarship, it is time that we need to work hard and show people our potential.”

 

Written by Justin Hubbard · Categorized: Student Stories, Uncategorized, Women's Voices

May 07 2018

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 university. Education has played a critical role for his family, providing the means to become independent and secure a livelihood. But he is the first to attend a unique university like l’Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC). And to him, that matters.

“Transformation and community life make UCBC unique. UCBC is making a big impact in Congo, changing the mentality and a [negative] way of seeing things. I know after four years when I have my diploma, I will be able to change and to do something. UCBC alumni are the ones who will be able to transform their communities and society,” David said.

When David discusses university life with his other siblings attending universities in Congo, they find clear differences. The effects of an education shaped by colonialism are still felt today at other universities and students often approach the learning environment and professors with fear. But at UCBC, it is different.

“For me, UCBC is the model university in Congo because the staff care about the development of students. They are serious about education while also being humble. Like a family, we can eat, share, work, and engage with staff in a way that is not seen at other universities.”

A first-year student studying counseling, David wants to help the community around him and create a better future for others.

“The reason I chose this department is because many people, including myself, live with trauma. I have traveled to various places in the country and I discover that many people suffer from trauma, but do not know where to get help.”

At UCBC, David is being equipped to serve others who are suffering from emotional and psychological wounds. One day, he hopes to work specifically with youth because he knows addressing their needs will help change the future of Congo.

“Being at UCBC is a good opportunity for my personal transformation, both intellectually and spiritually. For the first time, my eyes are opened to the value of being in such a community, sharing ideas that transform our minds.”

Written by Justin Hubbard · Categorized: Student Stories, Uncategorized

A Congo Initiative Campaign · EIN #20-3467419 · FAQ