Learn More about DR Congo

People are finally listening about what is happening in Congo. Whether it be from signing up to receive blogs like this, whimsical stories about heroes and hope, or documentaries that make you learn more. Listen, and learn more.

There are people every day who do good work. Some who capture your heart or make you laugh. I wanted to share this article in the Huffington Post about several colleagues I work with and cross paths with during my work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are the heroes of development, or the James Bond of development. Those who risk their lives to create hope in a place where women are not safe in their own homes (over half of women raped in DRC were attacked in their own homes at night).

Giorgio Trombatore and I on bridge crossing Congo River near Kisangani

The article is hilarious, particularly when you know the great Italian accent that goes along with it. My sister commented that it brings people into a story that otherwise people might turn away from before hearing the gritty details.

A good friend of mine came across the HBO documentary, Reporter, with Nicholas Kristof. I haven’t had a chance to see it yet, but I’m glad my friend watched the film because me, to learn more about what I face each time I head back to Congo. I don’t have a TV, so I haven’t yet had a chance to check it out, but I’ve heard good things about it and encourage others to check it out and learn more. I have it saved on Netflix already.

The reality is, places like Congo are very removed from everyday live in North America or Europe. Just learning more and informing yourself about the issues that are happening and the struggles that are being had is a good first step.
Rape Survivors in DRC – photo intentionally obscuring their faces

When I met recently with a focus group of women in DRC who had been raped, I closed the session by thanking them and letting them know that for a long time the world had scarcely known of the tragedies happening in Congo, that today people are starting to listen. They are starting to hear the stories of women being brutally raped, and they are appalled. It may not be everything, but it is part of bringing hope to the Congo.

Miel

Leave a Comment