Ending Extreme Poverty in the Congo

Strange Is In The Eye Of The Beholder

Seeing a strange person walking down the road is one thing.  But when that stranger appears to follow you home is just too much.

We, who live in a developed or even in a developing country, are blessed.  We have the opportunity to experience and see everything.  And some folks will say we see too much.  But it is good we can see so much through the media.  The television, magazines, newspapers, movies, videos, and internet allows us to experience many things without seeing it in person.

In rural Congo, there is no television.  There is very few opportunities to see movies or videos.  And the internet is limited.  Printed materials do not always project real things.

Imagine this!  A group of different colored people, speaking a strange language, carrying strange objects, are coming after you.  It's a panic setting. 

What Do Cheetahs and Hippos have to do with African Leadership?

Ghanaian economist George Ayittey unleashes a blistering, brilliantly argued torrent of controlled anger toward corrupt leaders in Africa. He calls on the “Cheetah generation” -- fast-moving, net-connected and passionate -- to take back the continent from the entrenched leaders, the bloated, greedy and deadly Hippos.

The Cheetah generation needs to take over Congo!

Lumumba - The Movie and the Prime Minister

If Patrice Lumumba had not been killed, would Congolese be better off today? Patrice Emery Lumumba was first elected Prime Minister of Congo after independence in 1960.

The 17th Annual Heartland Film Festival screened the movie, Lumumba. The movie was a Truly Moving Picture Award winner.

Lumumba, the movie, is a gripping political thriller which tells the true story of the legendary African leader. The film is about struggle, injustice and country's search for freedom.

Lumumba, the Prime Minister, lasted just two months in office. He was dogged by internal and external forces.

After Lumumba, Colonel Mubuto seized power and stayed in power for 32 years until 1997. Congo never the same again.

Since 1998, an estimated 5.4 million Congolese people, mostly women and children under 5 years old, have unnecessarily died. They died from preventable and treatable diseases such as malaria, malnutrition, pneumonia, diarrhea, and childhood complications.

Just a 'what if' question!