Vision
“Once we start to act, hope is everywhere. So instead of looking for hope, look for action. Then and only then, hope will come.”
—Greta Thunburg
Education Congo is committed to a simple vision of a stronger and more stable Congo—one that will be accomplished through strengthening higher education within Congo. The people of Congo face so many challenges—but solutions cannot be imposed from the outside. Solutions must come from within.
Education Congo partners directly with two leading Congolese universities to educate more citizens and future leaders to build a stronger, peaceful, more equitable Congo.
Higher education is at the heart of ethical governance, peace, justice and opportunity.
Renewed resolve in the face of adversity
In a crisis people bring forth their best and most heroic qualities. Pilots use extraordinary skills and focus to land disabled airplanes. Passengers pull together to remain calm and help each other. In the best ways they can, people rise to the occasion to contribute their skills and to work together.
Congo has experienced decades of violent instability in the eastern part of the country, and recent events bring new cause for concern. In response to the ongoing crisis, and even in the face of the most horrific news, the role of highly educated Congolese is more crucial than ever.
The most impactful way Education Congo can contribute is to continue the vital work of empowering Congo through higher education—to help the Congolese to gain the skills needed to "pilot" their country in crisis and to build sustainable stability.
Education Congo is uniquely positioned with the established pipeline needed to accomplish this important work. This is where we can be most impactful. We remain even more committed in our resolve.
Congo-linked board
“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”
—Jane Goodall
With broad international experience and diverse skillsets, Education Congo's board members work together as a 100% volunteer team. Many have direct ties to Congo, having grown up or worked there.
“Education Congo understands that its partner universities are sovereign entities, with their own history and purpose, defining their own trajectory of development. Together we engage in a collaborative approach to complex and dynamic issues based on mutually defined expectations and goals.”
—Bruno Baerg,
Education Congo Board VP
Uniquely positioned board of directors
Education Congo board members make frequent trips to Congo, strengthening the partnership between Education Congo and the universities they support.
Because of these strong connections, Education Congo has been able to establish and maintain direct communication and transparent relationships with two Congolese universities.
Council of advisors
Alden Almquist
Eva Bowers Shay, DO
Brad Bryant, JD, MBA
Cynthia Decker, PhD
Paul N. Harewood
Carol A. Heimer, PhD
Amini Kajunju
Louis T. Kanda, MD
Juliet Lev
Elsie McKee, PhD
Ernie E. Ross
Jimmy Shafe
Larry Sthreshley, PhD
Julie Neitz Wielga
Anne H. Zolnor
Board members
Bruno W. Baerg
Brian Bobb, MD
Heather Bobb, DDS
Doug Cardwell, PhD
Ronny R. Farmer, CPA
Steven Gustafson, DO
Laura Hobgood, PhD
Ajanta Jain
Linda James
Mimi Kanda, MD
Phil Kliewer
Margaret J. Loewen, MD
Noah McMillan, PhD
Beth Naegele, DMus
Mary Sanichas
Paul A. Williams, PhD
Established nonprofit with consistent track record
Incorporated in 1998 as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Education Congo is a community consisting of a range of stakeholders including business, education, healthcare, church and philanthropic backgrounds.
News updates & archives
June 2024 in Kimpese, Congo: Mary Sanichas and Margaret Loewen caught up in an exuberant selfie moment with medical school interns from Université Protestante au Congo
NEWS ARCHIVES in pdf format
April 2024
Documents & Financials
Credit: Mary Sanichas
Nashville 2023: Paul Harewood and Ernie Ross linking up board members unable to attend annual board meeting in person.
The North American Liaison Bureau (dba Education Congo) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Click for Education Congo's financial statements, Gift Acceptance Policy and other documents.
Education Congo has a Gold Transparency 2024 rating by Candid. (GuideStar combined with Foundation Center to become Candid to provide information about nonprofit organizations that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions and encourages charitable giving so you can create change.)
