What a delight to arrive in Beni, DRC, after a long (but smooth) journey.
People often ask, “How long does it take to get there?” This time:
- 22 hours of actual travel (17 via air; 4 via road).
- 6 hours of “transit”—layover, border crossing, check-ins, and waiting.
- 3 overnights.
It’s worth it. I’m finally here with friends, colleagues, and my Congolese family.
Most importantly, the NYOTA Leadership Program launches this Saturday, June 8.
We received 25 applications for the 20 cohort openings, meaning a few had to be turned away. Interest from other cities shows the need for NYOTA, but for now, it’s only available in Beni.
Fifty guests are invited to our launch event at a local hotel. The two-hour ceremony will feature speeches from the mayor of Beni, the UCBC Rector, and the NYOTA Co-Directors, JeanMarc and me. Guests include local business leaders and program participants, with journalists covering the occasion.
The Launch Ceremony is significant for several reasons:
- Community Awareness: Introducing a program for female leadership is new for Beni. This launch will raise awareness and highlight the importance of supporting women leaders.
- Official Endorsement: The mayor’s participation signifies state support, making the program official.
- UCBC Involvement: The presence of UCBC leaders emphasizes that NYOTA is a collaborative effort involving the entire university.
As momentum builds, so does our fundraising effort!
We initially set a fundraising goal of $500, which we have exceeded. Now, we aim to raise $1000.
The cost for one female leader to participate in the program is $500. At $1000, the cost for two women will be covered!
Please join in the excitement and give today.
Help us reach the star that is NYOTA!
Listen as Adel and Vivian explain why this launch is so important to women in the Beni region.
