Hope for Congo: Bring Hope. Change Lives.

Dear supporters,

I'm just back from my trip to Congo and, despite the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, I’m grateful to have visited our program partners. I’ve never felt more confident in the direction of our partners. The Sanguma Foundation, Gemena Football Academy, and Mama Monique Foundation are growing with real purpose.

What stood out most was the sense of unity. All our partners worked like a team, connected to each other.

I felt deep gratitude for the hard work our partners do daily. Being with them reminded me how committed and resilient they are, and how fortunate we are to walk alongside them.

I also felt overwhelmed. There’s so much potential, and we’re only scratching the surface. The opportunity is huge, and so is the responsibility.

There were moments of heartbreak, seeing the harsh realities people in the villages face daily, struggles many carry quietly with strength.

I also felt fear. I fled Congo because of war. Returning triggered old emotions. As we landed, I even planned what I’d do if conflict reached us. It’s painful, but that fear was real.

The visit challenged me to reflect on partnership and sustainability. Congo’s aid history often shifts focus to struggle over progress. Many expect outside partners to bring solutions and funding. But short-term aid doesn’t fix root causes. Over time, it can create dependence.

We’re committed to checking not just our intentions, but our impact. True partnership means addressing root issues with our Congolese partners, even when urgent needs arise.

We’ll keep moving forward, balancing immediate needs and long-term solutions, guided not just by our perspective, but by the voices of our partners and their communities.

With Gratitude, 
Wilita D. Sanguma
Executive Director

Let Me Introduce You: Nurse Colette on Saving Mothers

"You know the situation at the orphanage, most of those babies are coming because their mothers are dying in childbirth. It's unacceptable. It's been five years since we've started the clinic and we've never lost a mother. Imagine that. And we didn't stop with providing care only to the children, or the mothers of Gemena, our care has expanded to the whole region of Gemena.

"I came from the Capital city, Kinshasa. I had a good job there but I heard about the clinic. It was opened to support the children at the orphanage and to impact vulnerable women, especially during pregnancy, which is my focus. I wanted to be a part of something like that. My job is not just a job. Serving people is who I am, its my calling. I am for the people. I love this job."

The Latest From Our Recent Trip to Congo

This is the incredible progress we witnessed on our recent visit to Congo:

• Maternity Ward: Construction of the maternity ward is progressing well, despite a slowdown in January, with completion expected this summer.

• Village Partnership Expansion: We're exploring ways to expand literacy programs for women, vocational training, and healthcare access in surrounding villages.

• New Staff Hires: Two part-time regional staff were hired for Lobiko. Jimmy will support operations and partnerships, and Ruth will manage financial oversight and reporting for Lobiko-funded programs.

• Youth Business Program: We seed-funded five youth-led businesses at the transitional home of the Sabuli Children’s Center.

PHOTO: Four of the five youth entrepreneurs with The Sanguma Foundation Director, Joël Nseka Lesa.