Why do we go back to where we grew up? Perhaps to see what has changed, to see what remains, or to bridge the years, somehow—and reconnect.
Where I grew up
I was born and raised in the Belgian Congo, which later became the Democratic Republic of Congo. When I went “back” some years ago, I indeed found such a bridging of the years as I visited The American School of Kinshasa (TASOK). TASOK is the international school I attended with students of diverse backgrounds from around the world whose parents worked in various embassies and government agencies, a variety of NGOs, businesses and religious missions around the country.
While our parents were working as missionaries in the interior, my brothers and I boarded in a Mennonite missionary hostel. Memories like this resurfaced as we passed through the gate to the old lower school where we used to wait for the Combi (VW minibus) to pick us up along the dusty road bordering the noisy Chanic ship company.
I remembered the hibiscus flowers that Joanie (American missionary kid) wore in her hair as she padded barefoot across the playing field from the Baptist hostel… the unreturnable and devastating ping pong slams of Azim and Bashyr (sons of merchants of Indian and Pakistani descent who had worked in eastern Africa for many generations before relocating to Congo)… Jim’s (American missionary kid) python and crocodile in 9th grade biology, at once intriguing and terrifying. So many personal bridges.
The reason for my trip—to check on my investments in Congo
But I did not go back to revive memories. Rather, I went back to check on my investments. I invest in Education Congo to provide scholarships to Congolese university students who depend on them to stay in school and who are contributing to building a stronger Congo. I wanted to see if my money was accomplishing that.
Inspiring returns on my investments
In Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, I met a team doing cutting-edge research on HIV that will directly benefit not only Congolese, but others around the world. In the Baptist mission station of Vanga (my birthplace), I met medical students who have not only excelled in their theoretical studies, but were now demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to improving health in Congo.
At Université Évangélique en Afrique (UEA) just under 1,000 miles to the east, in Bukavu, set in the war-torn South Kivu province, I saw a multi-disciplinary group of students researching ethics in governance and confronting authorities with their findings—lives on the line, given the politics.
I saw students in a lab, testing their own DNA for sickle cell anemia as a way of learning to curb that disease. I saw theology students focused on peace studies and healing in a country torn by brutality. I saw social science students learning how to moderate conflict and bring healing. I saw an agricultural program that not only raises pigs and squash, but addresses pollution.
Panzi Hospital and Dr. Mukwege, Nobel Peace Laureate
I also visited the Panzi Hospital, founded by Dr. Denis Mukwege, professor on the UEA medical faculty. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 for his worldwide pioneering of gynecological repair from military rape and accountability for those responsible. UEA medical students learn not only medical treatment, but also Mukwege's model of psychological support, legal aid and economic assistance.
As we stepped out of that ward, I saw a sign on the closed door adjacent that said "Pediatrics." I asked why pediatrics would be next door to the ward for fistula repair. They replied "that ward is for pediatric fistula repair." I asked how old and they said 14. I replied no, what I meant was how young, and they said "infants."
Renewed commitment to continue investing
Yes, the memories help to bridge the years. But more to the point of my visit, my observation of students addressing the pressing issues of Congo overwhelmed me, and this experience reaffirmed my decision to continue investing in scholarships for these students.
Donating my IRA disbursements to help students in Eastern Congo
Upon turning 73 this year, instead of taking my first Required Minimum Disbursement in cash, I have made a sustainable investment with it in the new “UEA Kanji” Named Fund providing scholarships to students at Université Évangélique en Afrique in Bukavu. This fund was recently established in memory of the late Dr. Mohamed Kanji, a personal childhood friend and TASOK alum of Indian descent. A true world citizen, Mohamed was born in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania and lived in Bukavu before a narrow escape to Kinshasa with his family.
After TASOK, he came to the US for university studies of rheumatology and devoted his career to relief for those suffering from pain. As a father, he nurtured his daughter and son to become passionate advocates for human rights, and his fellow scholars and friends across continents came to know him as a passionate advocate for human rights. They have therefore found meaning in contributing in his memory to scholarships for UEA students studying in an environment that emphasizes human rights. I also recommend this fund to anyone seeking to make a meaningful charitable contribution that will continue to fund scholarships year after year in Eastern Congo.
How you can help grow the UEA Kanji memorial fund
To help more young Congolese attend Université Évangélique en Afrique (UEA), make a contribution to the UEA Kanji fund. Once the fund reaches maturity at $25,000, its earnings will pay for scholarships year after year. The larger the fund, the larger the payout—so please help bring this fund to maturity and keep it growing!
To donate by check note “UEA Kanji” on the memo line of the check and mail to Education Congo, 2216 Elgin Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.
If you are taking distributions from your IRA you might consider making a direct donation from your account to Education Congo. The distribution amount that is paid directly to Education Congo would not be taxable to you and could save you some income tax dollars. Please talk to your financial and/or tax advisors on how to best make this kind of donation.
For information about starting your own named fund, please email us at info@educationcongo.org.