The Heart of Africa - First Trip To The Congo
- brandonjbk
- Dec 16, 2023
- 2 min read
I've been incredibly fortunate up and to this point to have traveled and lived in various parts of the world. My first trip to the Congo was a game changer and captured my heart more than any other at that point. It's hard to say when someone asks you "where is your favoriate place you've been to?" As each place is special, but the Congo captures your heart.
This first trip was part of my church out of Philadelphia that I was supporting. We were partnering with an organization called Un Jour Nouveau (A New Day). They have an educational program located in Goma, founded by Esther and Camille Ntoto. My role was to engage where I could and really apply value where it would come and learn more about how individuals continue to thrive on this planet despite the multitude of challenges that are faced on a daily basis in this part of the world.
If you're not familiar with the Congo (or the DRC), it is located in Central Africa and is a large country, the second largest country in Africa and the 11th in the world. The country is incredibly rich with natural resources, it's one of the first things you will see and feel when you are in country. However, political instability and a lack of infrastructure and corruption have prevented the country from growing, it's actually ranked one of the last in human development. The photo above and to the left is one of the refuge camps that is located on the side of a volcano on the outskirts of Goma. The volume of individuals living in these conditions will break anyone, will leave you changed as a human, and will quiet your mind as to how upside down things can be in this world.
There are so many beautiful places to visit while in the Congo, one of the most popular is Virunga National Park, home to the endagered mountain gorillas. For me, the highlight was teaching my entreprenuerial club. These fine folks are an inspiration, placing the trouble of their country on their own shoulders, with new ideas and ventures. There is no shortage of ideas that make sense, however, the cost of capital in the Congo can be upwards of 45-50%, and can change on a daily basis.
Visiting the Congo is not easy, may not be for everyone. You have to ensure you are lined up with a good group that can organize you while in country as well as ensure you have all the appropriate vaccinations and protections. However, for me, it was a game changer. I'm a changed person based on my trip to the Congo, so much so, I made a second one in the near future. More on that to come....
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