Category: History

In this extract, we present the exceptional journey of Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She stands out for her commitment to women’s health and rights. Her fight against sickle cell anemia, a genetic disease mainly affecting women in Africa, earned her national and international recognition. In addition, she actively fights against violence against women and encourages their participation in political bodies for a more egalitarian society. Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi is an inspiring example working for a better future.

Mental health is a universal human right, according to the WHO. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote mental health as a human right. It is important to highlight the support available for people facing mental health problems and to combat stigma. By celebrating this day, we can help change attitudes and create a society that is more empathetic towards people with mental disorders.

The Pianos de Kinshasa festival, which highlights the piano in all its forms, recently took place in the Congolese city. In its third edition, this unique event brought together artists from around the world, as well as local pianists. The festival stands out for the creation of a Congolese piano made from recycled local objects, as well as the receipt of a donation of pianos from the Swiss authorities. In addition to musical performances, workshops and discussions took place with Kinshasa youth. This cultural event helps promote music and strengthen the Congolese music scene.

The Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation organized an event at the Pullman Hotel Lubumbashi, aimed at promoting academic excellence and raising awareness about sickle cell disease. Nearly 180 students from the Haut Katanga province participated in this event. The President encouraged students to strive for excellence and to get screened for this genetic disease. The EXCELLENTIA program offers scholarships to students who have obtained at least 85% in the state exam, allowing them to access university studies in the Democratic Republic of Congo and abroad. Former winners shared their experiences, demonstrating the opportunities offered by this program. The Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation continues its commitment to young people and their future by implementing educational and health actions in the province.

The Kinshasa Piano Festival is a unique event that transforms the city’s terraces and bars into piano concert stages. By allowing art to take place in places usually dedicated to relaxation, the festival offers an unexpected experience to the inhabitants of Kinshasa. The artists, pianists from both Congo and abroad, perform in traditional cultural spaces, as well as in the city’s bars. This daring programming creates unique atmospheres, highlighting the contrast between the solemnity of the concert halls and the liveliness of the bars. The terraces are also occupied, offering an energetic and dynamic atmosphere to the music. The festival also plays a role as a platform for reflection on Congolese society, using the piano as a means of addressing the historical realities of Kinshasa. By encouraging the discovery of music in unconventional places, the Kinshasa Piano Festival brings people together and spreads culture in the city.

The Beni region in the DRC is mobilizing to promote the culture of peace among young people. The NGO Young Patriots for the Consolidation of Peace (JPCP) has launched an awareness campaign aimed at encouraging young people to become active actors of peace. The aim is to change perceptions and encourage a generation that views peace as an essential part of life, based on forgiveness, reconciliation and mutual respect. Young people were made aware of these values ​​during an awareness day at Mututulo Primary School, where they were encouraged to resolve problems through dialogue and avoid violence. The initiative aims to unlock the potential of young people and create a sustainable culture of peace in Beni. This exemplary campaign deserves to be commended and we hope that it will inspire other communities to promote peace.

The government of the DRC has implemented the free maternity care measure to guarantee access to quality care during the perinatal period and achieve universal health coverage. The Minister of Public Health visited a maternity ward to assess the implementation of this measure and noted its positive impact on the health of women and newborns. This ambitious policy helps to reduce inequalities by allowing all women to access quality care at no additional cost. However, challenges remain in terms of organization and management of resources to ensure continuity and quality of care. Free maternity in the DRC is therefore an important step towards access to care for all women.