Why DR Congo
DR Congo has both tremendous potential and severe need.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a nation that is often last on the UN’s Human Development Index out of 187 countries. GDP per capita has been estimated as lower than $250 annually. Historically, partially due to its status as a Cold War battleground, the Congo has suffered under some of the worst leaders in history such as King Leopold of Belgium and Mobutu Sese Seko, a fact that has contributed to ongoing violence including the most deadly war since World War II. DR Congo is an especially dangerous and difficult environment for girls and women.
Nevertheless, the Congo has a wealth of natural resources, arable land, and a large, youthful population of resourceful and resilient citizens. Nearly 70% of the Congo’s ~100 million people are under the age of 25 and the population will more than double before 2050. The Congo’s potential for progress is enormous.
