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February 2014

Rose Kirere
Rose Kirere
 
 
 
Judith Nkema
Judith Nkema



Joella Mbiliki
Joella Mbiliki



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Did you know that the national average for the number of female students at Congolese universities is around 10%? And did you know that, by contrast, CI-UCBC's female population is actually close to 50% of the student body? As we work to train and develop the next generation of leaders for DRC, it is absolutely vital that we not only educate women, but that their perspectives also influence how we educate, attentive to the unique challenges and opportunities that face Congolese women today. In this newsletter, we introduce you to the new
Women's Voices student organization that has formed at UCBC. We also share with you a spotlight on one of our newest Congolese board members, Rose Kirere.

As you read these pieces, consider how you can play a part in supporting these and many other women leaders at CI-UCBC. 

We hope you enjoy these stories!


"Because God always hears women's voices"

If you educate a man, you educate an individual. If you educate a woman, you educate a nation. (Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey

 

It's official! Women's Voices is a formal entity at UCBC, complete with a motto--"Confidence, Influence, Identity in Christ," stated objectives, and officers. Over the course of the past two months, a steady group of approximately 25 UCBC women has been meeting regularly.


Spotlight: Rose Kirere

Rose begins her story with her childhood family. "You know, in Africa, families often do not pay for their daughters to go to school. My father was different. We were six boys and six girls. He treated us all the same. He made sure we all went to school."

When asked about the challenges and opportunities for Congolese women, Rose points to the need for examples of women professionals and women who use their education for the benefit of the country. She also notes the challenge to help young women combat feelings of defeat.

We want to say thank you . . .

A big thank you to Mark Szymanski of United World Mission for inviting and sponsoring Congo Initiative at this year's Ignite Justice Conference in Charlotte, NC (Feb. 21-22). Also, many thanks to dedicated volunteers Justin Hubbard and Kyle Hamilton for their excellent presentation at the breakout session on Poverty & Education. You represented the work of CI-UCBC fabulously!

Make a one-time gift or become a monthly sustaining donor and help support students just like Joella and Judith.

What can your gift accomplish?
  • $75/month = full support for one student
  • $25/month = cost of one month's teaching materials
  • $15/month = cost of one week of internet service at UCBC