We need your help as we continue to grow the TASOK (The American School of Kinshasa) Alumni Scholarship Fund for Congolese students at Université Protestante au Congo (UPC).
Envision a university that has grown from 3 (yes three) to 9,000 students during the past 60 years—in what has been the direst of circumstances at times. That is Université Protestante au Congo. Many of you personally recall fellow students whose families formed the original faculty of the university. From the original School of Theology, UPC has now expanded to include Schools of Business/Economics, Law, Medicine and Computer Science.
UPC’s alumni have gone on to receive Fulbright Scholarships and work in a variety of sectors ranging from private equity firms to nonprofits. The former Rector of UPC, the late Dr. Daniel Ngoy, was a UPC alumnus. Another PhD graduate of UPC, Fatuma Ngongo Kilongo, is the first woman head of Université Evangélique en Afrique, the other university that Education Congo supports.
Many of us including, Jimmy Shafe ’67 and Margaret Loewen ‘72, grew up in Congo and attended TASOK. Because we saw the need, we all became involved in a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Education Congo, which raises awareness and support for higher education as the long-term solution for building a stronger Congo. Our deep connections to Congo have led to the development of the TASOK Scholarship Fund for UPC students. Many of the university students do not have the money for the annual tuition of only $800-$1,200.
Last year, almost 1,000 UPC students were unable to pay their entire tuition or the balance of their tuition at the end of the year, resulting in being unable to take exams and proceed to the next year of studies.
Support the education solution to build a stronger Congo!
You can make a positive, lasting impact on this country that ranks near the bottom of the U.N. Development Index (a measurement of a country’s achievement in health, knowledge and standard of living). Congo’s potential for stability and growth in the heart of Africa is tremendous. Education is the key.
Make a contribution to TASOK's Scholarship Fund for UPC students. Proceeds from this fund pay for scholarships year after year. The larger the fund, the larger the payoff—so please help to keep building this fund!
To donate click on the red Donate button in the header, select "Named Funds" then scroll to TASOK Alumni—or any other Education Congo named fund you wish to donate to.
We are also happy to accept donations by check. Note “TASOK Alumni” on the memo line and mail to Education Congo, 2216 Elgin Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.
If you would like to start a new named fund with the designation of your choice, email info@educationcongo.org.
As of 10/15/2024 the balance is $52,018 with its earnings paying out every year for scholarships at Université Protestante au Congo. Bravo TASOK Alumni—let's keep building this fund!