President, Ike Kenzo, enjoying pizza and a game of Uno with S.O.S Congo's tutoring while they take a study break. The program runs on Monday & Wednesday at their NE facility. (Ketsia Tshienda, CMRU.ca)
“Eclectic, vibrant, and rooted” are three words used by the President of S.O.S Congo, Ike Kenzo, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Congolese youth.
Youth Programs such as their mentoring program, basketball program, coding program and business classes are at the heart of SOS Congo’s commitment to providing support for youth and guiding them to become leaders. The organization hope to unlock the remarkable potential it sees in its participants, who range from seven to 17 years old.
S.O.S Congo makes a documentary
In an exciting development, on November 9th, 2024, S.O.S Congo premiered its first documentary. The documentary takes a deep dive into S.O.S Congo’s 10-year history, from the beginning until now. This project serves as an educational tool and helps foster a sense of pride and connection to their heritage among Congolese youth here in Calgary.
President Ike Kenzo’s vision
Kenzo emphasized the crucial role of youth in shaping the future. He says that when you push youth to reach their full potential, they are inclined to do better. That’s what he wants for S.O.S Congo: for the youth to achieve greater things than what he and the other founders have accomplished so far.
He highlighted how S.O.S Congo’s programs are tailored to provide children and young adults with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to become active global citizens and leaders in their communities. Kenzo stressed the importance of creating an environment where Congolese youth and every youth can feel empowered and supported. He believes that by investing in the younger generation, we are changing individual lives and contributing to the nation’s overall development and progress. As S.O.S Congo continues to expand its reach and impact, it remains committed to its core values:
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Drive
- Accountability
- Respect
- Agility
Through their dedicated efforts, they are not only raising awareness about the Democratic Republic of Congo community in Canada but also bridging the gap between Congolese communities worldwide. The future of Congo lies in the hands of its youth, and S.O.S Congo is playing a pivotal role in ensuring that this future is bright, prosperous, and filled with opportunity.
Personal Reflection
My involvement with S.O.S Congo has been a truly transformative experience, one that has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the Calgarian Congolese community. As I worked on creating media content for this non-profit organization, I found myself profoundly moved by the stories of the youth I spoke to and the dedicated efforts of individuals like Ike Kenzo. I was inspired by the work S.O.S Congo does to empower these youth, and it made me reflect on the importance of a community and opportunities in shaping futures.
I believe our collaboration will have a positive impact. The media content we created – including the video, and blog – can serve as valuable tools for the organization to raise awareness about their mission and programs. These materials can be used in their outreach efforts, on their website, and in social media to attract supporters.
Through this storytelling and community service learning project, I’ve gained several valuable skills and insights. I’ve improved my interviewing techniques, honed my storytelling abilities, and learned how to effectively communicate complex social issues through various media.
I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling in driving social change and the importance of giving voice to underrepresented communities. This experience has also reinforced my belief in the impact of grassroots organizations and the difference that dedicated individuals can make. It has inspired me to continue seeking ways to contribute to global causes and to use my skills in meaningful ways that can benefit others.
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