The AusCongo Network (ACN) was founded by PastorĀ Constantin MukendiĀ in 2008 after he identified a need to find better ways for Congolese people living in Australia to support those living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (the Congo) . He was inspired by the proverb āgive a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him how to fish and you feedĀ him for a lifetimeā.
ACNĀ is a grass-roots, not-for-profit organisation committed to reducing poverty in the Congo and among Congolese people in Australia. We do this by through community development projects designed to build strong and sustainable communities and thereby transform people’s lives. Through this approach, we have seen almost 1,500 people receive an education, develop essential business skills and access micro-finance loans, and collaborate on agricultural projects to build a better future for themselves and their family..
ACN is currently working with the Congolese community of Mbuji-Mayi to guide and support impoverished locals. We have a community centre in the town from whereĀ several community development projects are run. The projects take an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, identifying strengths to be built on, rather than identifying deficits which prevent progress.
Several community groups also meet at the centre.
Our Vision
Congolese people in Australia and in the Congo have the skills and capacity to live sustainable and fulfilling lives.
Our Mission
To reduce poverty in Congolese-Australian communities and communities in the Congo by:
- building strong inter-country connections between the Congo and Australia
- strengthening the capacity of and providing opportunities for Congolese communities in the Congo and Australia through community development, training, micro-finance, micro-enterprise development and other community-oriented activities.
Become a Volunteer
AusCongo Network Inc is a not for profit organisation based in Brisbane which seeks to alleviate poverty by building sustainable communities with and for Congolese people living in Australia and in the Congo. The organisation relies on volunteers to achieve its goals.