Emmanuel's Story: Turning Pain into Ambition

Emmanuel has not had an easy life by any measure. When he was only 16 years old, his father passed away, leaving his mother to care for six children on her own.

Rather than letting himself be consumed by his grief and anger, though, Emmanuel made the decision to become a judge who would be committed to restoring justice and human rights for all people in the Congo.

A few years into this dream, Emmanuel heard about CLI through a friend. He says his immediate reaction was, “Oh, that’s what I need!” Through his time at the Leadership Institute, Emmanuel learned practical skills that he used to open a small bakery using his CLI grant.

Emmanuel also learned life lessons about saying no to fear and trying no matter what, which he says have been invaluable as he has worked at the University of Kinshasa and served in a leadership role working with youth at his church.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to explore my talent as a Young Leader. I aspire to create change in my country and throughout the world through the education of youth,” he says.