Congo Connect

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located literally and figuratively in the heart of Africa. It is central to the future of the African continent. It has a population of 70 million people, of which a majority is under the age of 18. 
The future of the Congo lies in the development, nurturing, and support of its youth.

Congo Activists of Michigan has partnered with Friends of the Congo and Youth for a New Society in DRCongo to advance the cause of social justice in the Congo through creative and innovative means; One such innovative effort is the establishment of Congo Connect: Technology Networking Centers (TNC) to serve primarily the youth but also other sectors of the Congolese society.

The Technology Networking Centers will be equipped with computers, cellphones, digital cameras, and an internet connection, and will serve as spaces for exchange of ideas, learning, training, activism, communication and the promotion of social justice and progressive ideas.  

No such centers or units exist currently in the Congo. The central overriding purpose of the cells is to serve as a social space for reflection on the challenges of the Congo, for the exchange of ideas, civic education, and training.

With access to technologies such as the Internet and mobile phones equipped with cameras, people have the means to document, publish, and address their grievances publicly, globally, and anonymously (by being anonymous we are able to stay safe).  The Congolese youth will expose the social injustices, corruption and human rights atrocities, which exist in DRC.  Dissent will grow louder within the Congo, and internationally.  Justice can be attained.  By achieving justice, transparency, democracy, and accountability within the country the population will be able to strengthen and rebuild institutions so the country will realize peace, justice and human dignity.

Congo Activists of Michigan has been a key partner, along with University of California Davis' STAND group, and Friends of the Congo in getting the first Technology Networking Center started in Kinshasa.  The youth have purchased a generator, a few computers, and an internet connection.  

The youth are now online and we Skype with them regularly.  CAM is excited to be a part of this innovative project.

More info: http://www.friendsofthecongo.org/take-action/youth-project.html

Our annual Hike for Congo is a fundraiser for the Congo Connect project.