The President of DR Congo’s Visit to Un Jour Nouveau

Just about two months after the eruption of Mt. Nyiragongo, Un Jour Nouveau (UJN), had the pleasure of welcoming the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, His Excellency Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi and First Lady, Mrs. Denise Nyakeru Tshisekidi to the city of Goma.  

The President came on a three-week visit in order to confront the realities of the natural disaster and comfort our communities. He graciously spent two days with the UJN team, attending a beautiful Thanksgiving service which honored DR Congo’s 61st Independence Day Anniversary and visited UJN’s HUB and school. Although quick, the President’s visit will have a timeless impact on the residents of Goma and on UJN’s young entrepreneurs and students. Read below to learn more about the President's visit to UJN.

Thanksgiving service was held at the garden of the office of North-Kivu’s Governor in honor of DR Congo’s 61st Independence Day Anniversary. Led by Africa New Day Co-Founder Camille Ntoto, the service thanked God for his kindness and protection during Mt. Nyiragongo’s eruption. It featured a mass choir and Word given by Apostle Roland Dalo, who spoke about DR Congo as a special country with noble objectives. The service was a true celebration of God, hope and the resilience of Congolese people.

The following day, the President toured UJN’s HUB and school led by Africa New Day Co-founders Camille and Esther Ntoto. During this tour, the HUB’s young entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their startup ideas and products they created. According to one of UJN’s Program Leaders, the President was quite impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit and made two generous commitments to support the program, pledging to pay the annual fees for 10 students and to provide UJN with a support fund that will give young entrepreneurs the start-up funds they need to pursue their dreams.

The President ended his visit at the UJN school, during which he greeted the Kindergarten students and learned more about their educational experiences. Although simple, it was an incredibly powerful moment for the UJN students – they will carry on knowing their learning is recognized and applauded even by DR Congo’s highest leadership.

The visit wrapped up with the President applauding the work UJN has done to nurture the leadership and potential in so many Congolese people. We are incredibly grateful for his time and generosity and it is our hope that this moment inspires our learners to become DR Congo’s future leaders.