2 people found this review helpful
Congo Initiative
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September 16, 2011
2 people found this review helpful
I had the opportunity to visit CI-UCBC in March 2011. This was my first international missions experience, so I wasn't sure what to expect. We were greeted by the students and teachers of UCBC with open arms. They treated us like we were family, and allowed us to immerse ourselves in their lives for two weeks. I found through both conversations and observation that they truly live their motto, "Being Transformed to Transformed." Every student I spoke with has a desire to transform the Congo by bringing their education back into the community. Their unwavering spirits and love for their community is so inspiring. I believe in the mission of UBCB, and feel that the education these students are receiving will have a powerful impact in Congo.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
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Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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2 people found this review helpful
September 9, 2011
2 people found this review helpful
I have worked with several non-profits/organizations in sub-Saharan Africa, and CI-UCBC is truly special. This is an organization that is all about equipping and empowering young Congolese men and women to transform their country. "Being transformed to transform" is the motto that is posted in every hallway and classroom. I was struck by the fact that students are not pursuing degrees in order to be able to take care of themselves but are pursuing an education that will allow them to invest in their communities.
I am a part of the UCBC scholarship program - making a regular monthly contribution that provides scholarship help for students that cannot pay the full tuition. Each scholarship recipient is expected to work each week for UCBC to improve the school and community. It's a fantastic program.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I spent several days at UCBC, and have worked with some of the UCBC graduates who are starting small businesses in the community.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Invest in lodging/accomodations for visitors/guests. This would make it easier for people who want to teach or spend time at UCBC.
1 person found this review helpful
September 7, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
CI-UCBC is training and empowering future Congolese men and women to change the DR Congo. It has been an incredible experience to be a part of CI-UCBC for the last 2 years. I have treasured every minute of it. I love how the students have the desire to learn and grow through the education and Christian principles they are receiving. The faculty and staff are a blessing and have shown leadership that is influencing the rest of the UCBC and Beni communities. The vision and mission of the university is what is drawing more and more people to be a part of this effort to build future leaders.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing people making a difference in their communities. It has brought people from different backgrounds together to form a community that wants to impact others around them. An example of this would be our Service-Learning program. Through this program we are building partnerships all over the city. Students and teachers are implementing what they have learned in the classroom and creating ways for education and service to go hand in hand. This gives students desires to serve even after graduation.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
recommend developing new ways to generate more funds and create ways to recruit more faculty and staff.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I've become more confident in professional and social settings.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
It made me feel like I belonged to a community.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
1 person found this review helpful
September 7, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Going to UCBC for the first time, I didn't know what to expect. But walking in as a complete stranger, I could feel that something special was happening in that place. UCBC is unique in not only its teaching style, but also because of its students. Each person had such a unique story and was incredibly welcoming and loving to us newcomers. After only two short weeks of being there, UCBC had a special place in my heart. Amazing things are happening there because of the amazing people who fill it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
x
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
x
September 6, 2011
I love working with CI-UCBC. I believe that their approach challenges the conventional development model. UCBC is building youth capacities, partnering with civil institutions, and community-based organizations to effect change in DR Congo. I have worked with the Service-Learning program for the past two years. During this time I have been impressed with the self-less leadership provided by the staff and administration, especially the Academic Dean, Honore Bunduki.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Their commitment to transforming education in DR Congo.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Connect organizations dedicated to improving education with UCBC and support their efforts through increased funding.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Valued as a team-member.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
1 person found this review helpful
May 10, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I have been connected to Congo Initiative since it was simply a dream in the heart and mind of its founder, Dr. David Kasali. Growing up in Congo as a child, going through the conflicts of Independence, reading about and praying for DRC - Democratic Republic of the Congo - and its peoples, and visiting eastern DRC numerous times in the past fifteen years, it is clear to me that what is needed is a revolution, not of tribalism with guns and machetes, but a revolution in ethical, principled leadership. This is what Congo Initiative is doing through its diverse programs, serving university students, women and children, the church, and emerging leadership. There are many good organizations working to improve the lives of those in Congo who have suffered greatly; Congo Initiative is not simply a good organization, it is GREAT, with principled leadership and a far-reaching vision that is being lived out daily.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
by witnessing the growth in character and competencies of emerging young leaders, and by working with and caring for the outstanding men and women and volunteers who are giving selflessly of their time and their talent for the well-being of the country.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I have no changes to suggest; the vision is excellent, the commitment by its staff and volunteers beyond reproach, and its implementation continues to move forward almost beyond CI's capacity to manage. More help is needed.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
How did you learn about this organization?
I know its founders, and dreamed and prayed with them since the beginning.
What is this organization's top short-term priority?
Funding for building and recruiting staff.
What is its top priority in the long run?
Developing students, implementing curriculum, reaching to the wider community.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
2 people found this review helpful
May 6, 2011
2 people found this review helpful
In October 2007, I arrived in Beni, DRC to teach English as a second language at UCBC for a year. Little did I know my one year plan would turn into three years and provide the opportunity to work in various capacities with an initiative and University making significant impact in eastern DRC.
Higher education is often set aside in "development work" for the sake of immediate and urgent needs. Moreover, until recently, discourse surrounding international development and all its elements (education, conflict resolution, humanitarian aid) has lacked critical reflection on its western roots and management. In eastern DRC, NGOs and the UN are met with skepticism, and the desire for Congolese founded and run organizations and institutions is desperately needed.
This is precisely why Congo Initiative - UCBC is so unique, offering the younger generation opportunities to receive practical education and skills in order to help there communities flourish. Students learn social research skills to help identify the needs of their settings and ways research may lead to solution. Additionally, the University provides a platform and space to dialogue across tribal and national identities, class, gender, and perspectives, creating a diverse community centered on one goal, to bring about change in DRC.
As noted, western aid and development is often still rooted in power dynamics and lacks critical analysis that takes into consideration the realities and needs on the ground. I believe strongly in the role of education. As important as it is for students (including myself) to travel to places like eastern Congo and research and participate in its change, first and foremost, opportunity should be provided for the young Congolese passionate about transforming their own communities and nations.
I have had the privilege of witnessing the university's development from the beginning stages and look forward to participating in the first students' graduation ceremony on July 30, 2011. Their sacrifice and commitment to their educational development exhibits resiliency and I have no doubt the future of DRC is found in their minds, hands, and faith.
There remains many challenges and the Congo Initiative - UCBC will strengthened by development of consistent resource channels that will help sustain its functioning. The students (and their families) contribute immensely to their education, but in order to provide the best, scholarships and endowment funds are necessary. Additional faculty and faculty development remains one of the greatest needs. This includes Congolese faculty as well as international faculty that can contribute diverse perspectives in respective fields and create an atmosphere of research and learning together.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
its ability to bring the community together, allow me to be a part of the community as one with a western identity, understandably met with skepticism based on a historical experiences and sometimes present (post-colonial) dynamics. It has given me hope in a Christian community that is authentic, and willing to challenge the grains of popular modern understanding of what it means to live faithfully to the Christian faith. Beni and UCBC community has indeed become a second home.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Develop more sustainable funding avenues. Create further space for critical thought and diverse perspectives across all the fields while remaining sensitive to the already established culture. Focus the energy on faculty recruitment and develop a support and logistical structure to attract more faculty.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
This experience has opened a number of doors I never thought I would have the skills and opportunity to pursue. It has introduced me to a new community of friends and family. I've learned languages, intercultural awareness, in a beautiful environment of eastern DRC. It has shaped my perspective of the world, challenging my American identity and the things that our culture often perceives as "good" and beneficial, without considering its expense and impact on others.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
As if I was a part of something a lot larger than myself, and something that will bring about sustainable and significant change.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
1 person found this review helpful
May 2, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Congo Initiative has been a gift and an opportunity to learn and grow.
Our Congolese sisters and brothers are living examples of what it means to seek to be transformed in order to transform. They are examples of love and commitment:
- D. and K. left the safety of Kenya to return to their home country during the height of civil war to serve as salt and light and agents of transformation.
- J. survived atrocities of conflict, and now embraces as sisters and brothers, those from the group that had destroyed his village.
- A. is studying to be a counselor and work with those who have been traumatized by war and abuse.
- D. and A. give their time to run programs for local children (one a soccer program the other an after school Bible program), even though they can barely pay for their own tuition. They give of their time for others before they worry about their own needs.
- Many students have left their families, including young children, to study at UCBC. They know the quality of the education and the integrity of the work will develop their skills and cultivate their minds and hearts to be bearers of truth and light and leaders of change.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the stories from students. UCBC students have a heart for their nation and a desire to be ethical, servant leaders. They demonstrate that in their behavior toward each other, in the activities they initiate, and the leadership they demonstrate on campus and in the community.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
funnel resources to fuel its growth.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
How did you learn about this organization?
From a friend.
What is this organization's top short-term priority?
Resource maximization (personnel and financial).
What is its top priority in the long run?
Transforming hearts and minds to lead for growth and health in DR Congo.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
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