The first module of the NYOTA program, “Time Management as a Female Leader,” concluded last Saturday. Dr. Rebecca Wasingya, a professor of economics at our partner organization, Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC) developed and led the session. Rebecca knows first hand the time management demands on women leaders. She earned her PhD while working full-time and raising three young children.
The feedback from participants has been inspiring. It also highlights how transformative NYOTA has already been, after just one month of the program!
Asengo Asumeni
Heartfelt gratitude
One of the younger participants, Asengo Asumani (Specialist, PPSSP), wrote to me directly. “I come to you, to offer you my thanks from the bottom of my heart for this initiative to support women in the DRC. We have just finished with a module on the impacts on our lives, and I’m really delighted to be part of [this program].”
Potential to empower
In another message, Asengo expressed her belief in the potential power of NYOTA: “NYOTA…will make me a stronger woman than before. May God bless you even more for thinking of us women of the DRC.”
Spirit of community
The women who participated in the discovery and design sessions for NYOTA said that having the support of other women leaders was important to them. That’s one of the reasons NYOTA is a cohort program. Christelle Babunga (Civil Protection Assistant, MONUSCO) wrote, “We support each other because there is strength in numbers. We have become one big family, and thanks to God, we will achieve great things.”
Jeanette Longhi (R)
Impact now
As an organization with the name “Impact Now,” it’s a joy to hear how NYOTA is making an impact. Christelle said, “We learned a lot through this first module, and we hope to transfer the skills to other people, starting with our family members.” After last Saturday’s session on mindfulness, Jeanette Longhi (Community Liaison Assistant, MONUSCO) taught her brother one of the mindfulness techniques she had learned. Jeanette has also organized a workshop on time management with members of a local association.
Impact to continue
It is our expectation that NYOTA will continue to have an impact on cohort members and their community. Marie Bulieni (Civil Protection officer, MONUSCO) proclaimed, “We are stars. We will shine everywhere in Beni, and the whole world will talk about it. Together, we are writing a new story with strong and unforgettable moments.”
We are proud and grateful for the progress so far. We are excited for the journey ahead.
Invitation
Together, the NYOTA planning and teaching team in Beni, Impact Now, and supporters like you are helping women in the DRC shine and impact their communities in positive ways. To support the female leaders of NYOTA and help them shine even brighter, please make a donation today. Your generosity makes a world of difference, now and for the future.