Congo Initiative

“I have been a humanitarian worker specializing in protection and GBV for 10 years. Nyota taught me how to balance my professional and family life, speak without fear and believe in myself. While I was unemployed, I landed a contract. Today, I make a difference in my work, my family and my community. Congolese women—and especially those in Beni—never give up. You have value. Rise up, be bold and shine: your future starts now.”

— Kavugho Mavweko Nana

UCBC alum Steve Kanyangambi has spent more than a decade working across eastern Congo to help communities rebuild relationships fractured by conflict. His story is a reminder that peace can begin with one person, one conversation, one community choosing a different path.

This International Day of Peace, we’re reflecting on the people who believe that peace is possible and work toward it every day.

Learn more about Steve here: bit.ly/20for20_Steve

We're hiring!

Our board is in search of a new Executive Director to lead Congo Initiative USA into the next chapter. If you or someone you know would be a good fit for this position, please review the job description for details and application instructions.

Learn more at bit.ly/ciusa_ed

Our mission isn’t possible without our partners.🤝

For more than 15 years, Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minnesota, has walked alongside Congo Initiative in a partnership rooted in faith, leadership and a shared commitment to serving others. Together, we get to be a part of what God is doing in Congo.

“Each Sunday at CPC, we are reminded that the gospel doesn't stay inside the walls of our church and we must take it out into the world with us. Congo Initiative is so quick to pivot and serve the people in front of them through whatever they are facing,” said Katie Olson, Director of Missions at CPC.

“UCBC shaped far more than just my IT skills; it forged my leadership. I am proud of my bilingual and technical journey within this vast family. I leave equipped to transform our society through technology.”

— Sivasimire Muhesi Prince

In 2007, UCBC opened its doors with 85 students in a half-built building with dusty cement floors and plastic chairs.

There have been plenty of challenges and reasons to lose hope over the past 20 years. But those challenges have helped shape the university we know today.

More than 1,100 students have graduated from our programs. From our humble beginnings, UCBC has continued to grow and evolve, guided by the hard work of our students and faculty and our motto: “Being transformed to transform.”

Enjoy this look down memory lane at a university that continues to foster change across the DRC. We’re proud of how far UCBC has come, and hopeful for the future of UCBC and the Congo that we’re still building together.

Neema provides grants, resources and business expertise to help vulnerable people start or grow small businesses. From soap-making to livestock and poultry projects, these investments create opportunities for families to earn income and build greater stability.

Since 2016, Neema has supported 153 beneficiaries, including women trained in basic business skills.

Through this program, impact looks like vulnerable communities building sustainable livelihoods and participating more fully in the local economy. When you give to Congo Initiative, you are supporting important projects like these.

Learn more about Neema Congo here: https://bit.ly/4xyi7R9

August was a special month at UCBC as we celebrated another class of graduates stepping into the next chapter of their lives.

Today, we reflect on these students and the hard work they put in during their time at UCBC. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see where you go from here.

Congratulations graduates!

Find photos of the celebration at bit.ly/UCBCGrad2026