The Next 500 Future Leaders of Congo

Together we are writing a new story in Congo.

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Alumni Spotlight: Baraka Merdi

Holding a tightly packaged bag of banana powder, Baraka Merdi (’16) stands proudly in front of his Mavuno office. There is only one other organization or institution in Beni that brings the same amount of joy and pride as his current place of employment.

“I discovered myself at UCBC,” he said with a smile. “UCBC encouraged me to become a leader. I know now what I can achieve.”

UCBC was not simply about an education for Baraka. It was an opportunity to discover how he could contribute to the future of his country – a country the world often ignores.  As president of the student body, he helped lead others to reimagine Congo and to think of themselves as future leaders who can “be the change” wherever their journey may take them.

Now Baraka carries the transformational spirit gained from UCBC into his current work with Mavuno, an organization that empowers local farmers and works to end extreme poverty.

As a research and market analyst, Baraka helps local farmers and partners flourish in agribusiness.  

“Our purpose is to end extreme poverty in eastern DRC. We try to link farmers to the market, and we are building businesses around agriculture crops like maize, rice, plantain, and selling at a good price so that farmers may increase their profit from their work,” Baraka explained.

“I am hopeful. I am seeing our clients’ lives improving, especially in rural areas, because we are training them to create their own business. We are trying to bring them out of interdependence to independence. Some of them are succeeding and this gives me hope…I am really encouraged!”

Baraka Merdi studied finance and accounting at UCBC and graduated in 2016. He believes his experience and studies offered something beyond the benefits of securing a job and livelihood.

“I want my family to see we are creating a new generation in Congo and that UCBC taught us about transforming the world.  I want to be part of that big vision and I want my family to be proud of me for being one of the people who will change this country,” he said.

On a practical level, UCBC’s bilingualism and computer training prepared Baraka for his job working with a global organization dependent on crossing language and technology barriers.

“UCBC prepared me to engage globally in the workplace. I currently work not only with Congolese, but with people from other countries and cultures both in and outside of Africa. English helps me to cross language barriers in my professional work, and I cannot spend one day without using a computer. These skills I learned at UCBC.”

One of the greatest lessons he learned at UCBC was to face challenges and to turn them into opportunities. For him, that has meant diligent work, holistic learning, and a new mindset. He believes UCBC foster these values.

Baraka explains, “UCBC is important because Congo needs a new generation who is formed and trained with the new mindset at UCBC. The training there is one of the weapons that this country can use to face all the challenges. There are faculty and students that our country needs. If I can give one message to Congolese youth, it is UCBC is the place to go and learn how to transform the world!”

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.”

 

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.”

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, Juliette was the first one in her family to attend university. At UCBC, she found a community that encouraged a commitment to critical thinking, service, integrity, and equality.

In Juliette’s own words: “UCBC is encouraging women in education and preparing women to be leaders. We can see it throughout the community. Even though some places in Africa believe to educate a woman is to lose money and time. I say that is wrong! I know to educate a woman is to educate the whole nation.”

A native of Beni, Juliette witnessed students and alumni throughout the community making a positive impact on her hometown. After receiving notification she passed the state exam required to attend a university in Congo, she enrolled at UCBC in 2011.

As she reflects on her time at UCBC, she recalls the way it shaped her life. “It shaped my life intellectually and spiritually, transforming the way I see things. Before I felt hopeless and thought negatively about our situation, but UCBC taught me to think positively and to hope even in the face of challenges.”

Working and collaborating with her peers, she learned some very practical things that helped propel her into her job at RAW International Bank in Beni.

“I learned all my English at UCBC and today I am able to speak with different customers who are from different countries, some of them do not know French, but I am able to speak with them without any problem. I also learned computer skills at UCBC and now work on a computer without a problem.”

When asked about her favorite moments at UCBC, Juliette smiles widely as she proclaims, “Chapel Time!” She often felt God’s presence during the midday worship services and this encouraged her and the community.

The unique Christian identity of UCBC sets it apart from many universities in DR Congo. For one, corruption is often found in university settings. Bribes for good grades are common. Moreover, Juliette explained the significance of living in a community that valued students thoughts and contributions, providing them the opportunity to share as equals to leaders and staff, something that is uncommon elsewhere in Congo.

It is in this context and atmosphere where students learn the importance of servant leadership. And for Juliette, she believes it is this servant leadership that will transform Congo.

Partner Stories: Tim and Cindy

Would you tell us a bit about your background?

Tim: I grew up in Congo as a son of missionaries. My parents, grandparents, and uncle/aunt were all missionaries in Congo. I guess my roots in that country go pretty far back to the early years of Belgian colonial rule right up to the present. I went to boarding schools through high school, and then found myself in Kansas, attending Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. While in college, I took a summer job on a construction crew building grain elevators. Eventually construction for agri-business became my life-long career. Here in Salina, I met a beautiful young woman, Cindy MacDowell, who was the cousin of my best friend from Congo. We got married and made Salina our home.

Cindy: I am a Kansas girl start to finish, having been born and raised in Salina. I also have connections to Congo though my family. My uncle and aunt were missionaries in Congo, and their children, my cousins, would come and be with us whenever their family was on home leave from Congo. Their lives seemed a bit strange, but interesting. Then I met Tim, who was my cousin’s best friend in Congo, and the rest is history. My life has been connected with Congo ever since.

How has education played a role in your life, personally?

Tim: Like a lot of young people out of high school, I really had no idea of what I wanted to do. As a kid growing up on remote mission stations and in boarding school, I discovered I had an aptitude for mechanics. I enjoyed taking apart engines, learning how they worked, and figuring out how to fix and rebuild them. I was pretty good at fixing things and building things. I went to college and majored in business administration, and honestly I’m not sure what I really learned. Having a degree opened doors, and got me into the office at the construction company where I was working. I guess college gave me the ability to see differently, to see what I needed to learn, and to apply that learning to new tasks and responsibilities. I learned from my experiences, and then with a friend, founded a company that has been pretty successful in the construction industry. Everything I’ve done comes from what I’ve learned, so I think learning is important. I guess I would say: “Unless you have an education, you won’t really know what life might have been like otherwise.” 

What is your personal connection with Congo? Or, how did you first learn about Congo?

Tim: You’ve seen from our story so far that our connections with Congo are pretty deep. After we got married, I thought it would be cool to take Cindy to see where I grew up.  So, we got married in July, set off on a low-budget trip in September, and spent three months with my folks and family in Congo.

Cindy: When I arrived in Congo in 1973, it was definitely a culture shock for me, having never before been outside of the USA. What I remember most about the Congolese people were their warm smiles and joy, their contentment in spite of hard lives and lack of material things. I remember their gracious hospitality and generosity — even though they had had very little, they would invite us to their homes for wonderful meals.

Tim: I have to hand it to Cindy! She took it all in and decided to stay with me despite my craziness and love for that place and its people. After about 10 years, we took a second trip to Congo, and in the last few years have gone again to see what Congo Initiative is doing.

How did you first learn about Congo Initiative?

Tim: You know, Congo is a complex place for those of us who have spent time there. There is so much  that is good; and at the same time there is so much that is hard. But I’ve always had a place in my heart for Congo. I’d sure like to see things change. I’d like to see the violence end. I’d like to see people having a better standard of living. I found out more about Congo from my friend, Paul Robinson (who is also married to Cindy’s cousin, Margie MacDowell). My learning about the Congo of today grew out of my relationship with them.  We had some conversations, and Paul kept telling me about Congo Initiative and about his conviction that this Congolese vision had a real chance of making things better. He invited me to “come and see.” Traveling this road with Paul back to Congo has helped me to see that. I wouldn’t have made another trip to Africa, or gotten involved if it hadn’t been for that relationship.

What were your initial reaction and thoughts when you learned about Congo Initiative’s main program and institution – the Christian Bilingual University of Congo (UCBC)?

Well, since those first conversations, and getting involved somewhat, I’ve developed somewhat of a passion to see UCBC survive and flourish. Then we really started talking about Congo, CI, and UCBC at family events. We just talked more and more, and started to communicate more deeply. I talked to my father, who had spent his life as a missionary in Congo, and asked what he thought of Congo Initiative and the new ways CI was approaching Congo’s development. My dad totally affirmed this “new thing.”

What inspired you to participate in leadership giving to UCBC?

It’s been a journey — what in Congo we would call a safari. Every time I visit, I believe in it more. I’ve met the people. I’ve talked to them in their language. I’ve spent time with UCBC’s students and graduates. 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.

Congo is deeply embedded in my system. I think it’s fair to say that I “feel” Africa. I’ve been given much, and I want to be able to give back.

What encouragement would you give to the students at UCBC?

The last time I was in Congo, in 2016, another friend and colleague of ours, who grew up in Congo too, and who now leads CI in UK and Europe, Bill McAllister, gave a sermon in one of the churches near Beni. Bill spoke about the critical role education plays in building a better future. I believe this is true.

So, what I would say to UCBC students is what I did say to them when I was there. “Make a difference! There are a growing number of people who believe in you and who are happy to invest in you so that you can realize your dream. Be the change you want to be in Congo!”