Nyenemo Sanguma, second from right in back row, with the Congolese Community Development team.
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
1 Peter 5:5-9
For the past few weeks, I have been charged with communicating stories to you that will help paint a picture of “hope and resurrection” for Gemena and the entire region of Equateur, DRC. For this last installment, I want to emphasize this: It is clear to me that hope lies most obviously, in the youth of this city. They are intelligent, hardworking, and understand the world in a way their previous generation doesn’t always. It is for this reason I believe in World Vision’s focus on supporting children and youth. World Vision desires to partner with emerging young Congolese leaders that are already serving as agents of change – one of them is Nyenemo Sanguma. Born and raised in Gemena, he continued his education in the US, including an undergraduate degree from North Park University and a Masters in International Development from DePaul University, and is now using his educational opportunities to make a difference in his home country.
Nyenemo founded the non-profit, Congolese Community Development (CCD) in order to support farmers to increase their production and connect them with markets in Kinshasa where they receive a higher return on their agricultural products. The organization just celebrated it’s one year anniversary, and in this pilot project year, they have taught farming skills, loan management, and significantly improved the incomes of over 200 farmers. And they plan to keep adding to their numbers.
This is a program that works, because it is conceived and managed by a young Congolese leader who understands the cultural context and language, and is fiercely commited to the betterment of his people.
World Vision works with partner organizations like CCD and leaders like Nyenemo in order to strengthen existing programs and build sustainability into every aspect of their work.
With faith, we must trust and empower local young leaders with the future of their nation – and it is only in this way that we allow hope to take root, grow, and flower. One empowered leader, one project, and one community at a time.
