DRC Uprising: Staying rooted inspired by Jessica Masangu
Moving from home (DRC) to a foreign country is never easy at first , because there is a very distinct culture clash and many things are different which should be the case. The move is a blessing because it is an opportunity for growth and empowerment that equips us to make a difference back home. One can deal with culture clash in two ways: adapt to it without forgetting your african roots or being completely drowned in the new culture that you forget your roots and values.
It’s a journey, a very difficult one, that I have also been on. In the midst of trying to figure out who I was in a new environment, I have got lost and confused. It’s all part of our growth journey- the highs and the lows. Like Jessica, it is so important that we all find our way back to our roots because that’s the only way we can make a difference for our country and our people. Investing in the change of DR Congo is also investing in changing the world. Knowing our identity as congolese people, also means knowing our country’s identity and through that the passion for change will inevitably arise.
When you aware of the pain that is endured back home by our fellow brothers and sisters , I promise that you will strive to make a difference. Our country’s story is your story. I do not believe that we are born in a certain country with no purpose to make it a better place.
Before I share the interview with you, I want to elaborate on my favourite part of the interview.
“I want them to know that they’re not alone nor forgotten. Their battle is my battle and my achievement is their achievement. I think it’s very important to build relationship to empower each other.” This is Jessica’s message to the less fortunate girls back home. This right here got me screaming “AMEN!”. Empowering ourselves to empower our world, our country, our people. It all boils down to loving each other first. Brothers and sisters let us love each other, lets support one another in our different journeys that lead to one greater purpose which is to have a better home for ourselves and the generations to come.
I did this interview to gain more insight on how “Soeur, leve- toi” started, I wanted to know and share what drives Jessica Masangu to do what she does for the girls back home.
Congolese Traveller : Why did you start this NGO, how did you execute your idea and what are some of the problems you faced?
Jessica Masangu : When I moved to the U.S. for university I joined a sorority which is a social organisation for young women in college associated with common purpose; usually sisterhood. Even though it was a good experience for me, most of the time I felt detached from the other American girls. So, I decided to create the same platform and started a network with young Congolese women. A week after, they all agreed without knowing who else I had contacted. We started getting to know each other through meetings on a Whatsapp’s group chat. One of the problems we faced was definitely the timezone.
CT: What was the response of your peers when you started the NGO ?
JM: Many were really happy to hear about my good initiative and others thought that it was just “a new trend” because it was uncommon that someone young could do something good in her community without wanting to publicise it.
CT: How have you managed to keep the NGO alive with your team being so spread out (Kinshsas, Canada, South Africa, Belgium, USA, UK )
JM: We are doing our best to use the distance to our advantage. For example we had fundraising activities in Belgium and in the States at the same time. We managed to maximise our opportunities and target the diaspora. And also, the internet makes it easy for us to communicate with each other and have meetings.
CT: What do you want the less fortunate african girls, or specifically the young congolese girls you doing this for, to know?
JM: I want them to know that they’re not alone nor forgotten. Their battle is my battle and my achievement is their achievement. I think it’s very important to build relationship to empower each other.
CT: What is your long term goal for this NGO?
JM: Our long term goal is to sponsor less fortunate young girls through high school to university. And why not start activities out of Kinshasa.
CT: How has the progress thus far made you feel?
JM: Sometimes I get anxious managing the NGO along with my work as an architect and my social life. But I learnt to multitask and use my time efficiently. And the girls in the board and the volunteers really help when things get tough.
CT: How would you describe the young congolese girls of our generation?
JM: With the outbreak of social media and the influence of the Western world, most of their identities get trapped. They need to learn their African values, and how to be independent. Because a woman who knows her identity and works on her inner self is capable of accomplishing anything.
After interviewing Jessica Masangu who was born and raised in Kinshasa, DRC in a family of eight children. I have come to the conclusion that she is rooted in her African values and has maintained her focus in the midst of her new lifestyle. This is inspiring to me because she is a 21 year old woman that is making a difference with her passion for African Architecture and Africa’s development. I know little about her but I can tell you first hand that love and kindness are one of her strongest traits. She went against all odds to initiate something that is making a difference in her life and the lives of others with a great concept. That is what it’s all about in my opinion. Making a difference in the lives of others will never leave you the same. Helping others helps you too - it brings growth and unmeasurable joy.
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