More About ChangentsChange Agent | Chingwell Mutombu
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Chingwell Mutombu
Congolese dreamers and change makers!
Our organization (First Step Initiative) has just received a significant grant from Rebellious Dreamers (a Michigan-based organization) to support small-scale enterprises (entrepreneurs) in the DR Congo. I could not stop thinking about the name "Rebellious Dreamers". What a powerful name! Yesterday, as I was reflecting on how we will bring in 50 more enterpreneurs to our loan program this summer due to the generous support from Rebellious Dreamers, I realized that most of the entrepreneurs we work with in the DRC are in fact "rebellious dreamers". These are the people who are defying all the odds despite the many challenges they continue to face in their lives. They are the "movers and shakers", who are dreaming big and determined to succeed in the face of great adversity. They are my heroes! Everytime, I go to the DRC and meet with the people that we are working with, I come back energized. In fact, I just made a trip to the DR Congo less than two months ago and came back determined to raise more funds so that we can reach and help more entrepreneurs such as Muzi (seen in the photograph below) achieve their full potential.
Muzi is a 24 years old mother of two. I met Muzi in April through one of our partnering agencies in the DRC. Muzi has been learning how to make bread because she wants to open up her own bakery store in the next couple of months. I remember having a conversation with her about her dreams for the future, and she just looked in my eyes and told me with much determination that she is going to work hard to make sure that her two children have a better future. Muzi's determination inspired me and I am very excited and looking forward t to her participation in our loan program.
Our clients (enterpreneurs) are certainly "warriors" and are determined to conquer the most dismal living conditions to pull themselves and their families from the perils of poverty, disease and even death. I just feel grateful to have the opportunity to serve so many great and hard working people who have become my teachers, friends and colleagues in the fight against global poverty. I hope that you will join me in this exciting journey and help us spread microfinance in the DRC.
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Comments
June 8, 2008 - 11:52pm
Chingwell, congrats on the grant from Rebellious Dreamers. That's big news! The fact that you'll be able to help 50 entrepreneurs with small loans and change 50+++ lives in the process is awesome. Please keep us posted.
June 13, 2008 - 9:00am
Totally Amazing -
Chingwell walking in the gift of "un-locking dreams" has to be one of the most powerful gifts given by God Him-self and I honor you in your mission to help the under privileged of the Congo overcome adversity. It is clear that you were set on this Earth to do just what you are doing now, you are an answer where many can not see answers - you are a true Change Agent.
Please keep the team at Sapien Harbor posted on your efforts and let us know how we can be a help to you and your missions!! My hat is off to you and your efforts! Amazing work!!