The Democratic Republic of Congo

LetsTalkLeadership has been supporting a number of young leaders in the DRC where civil war, floods, and poverty have caused created a huge need for help in the local communities. Young leaders have come forward, and with almost no resources other than their own commitment, energy and determination they are making a difference. Here is one such story.

Olo Benoulli is the Executive Director and Founder of the Community Support Center ASBI. Olo grew up in a msall village in Mwenga Territory which is part of South Kivu Province. His childhood was very difficult and he survived war, ethnic conflict, hunger and severe illness. He was taken care of by his grandmother. He graduated as a civil engineer from the Light of Bujumbura University in Burundi in 2021.

He decided to dedicate himself to making sure that no child would live through discrimination. He founded CSC-ASBI with two aims. To bring joy and hope for a better future to survivors of conflict, and as important, to help them become productive members of society. He also wanted to promote human rights for women and children through fellowship and empowerment.

From 2016 t0 2023 CSC ASBI supported more than 2300 people, especially women and children. This year they have support 700 people including 250 women helping them to become farmers by equipping them with the basic techniques to fight against climate change and food insecurity in South Kivu. 450 children, living in displaced camps, have also been helped.

This is just one of the many wonderful stories of young leaders making a difference by supporting their local communities.