64th Celebration of the Independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Dinner and Fundraising

Welcome to the 64th Celebration of the Independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Dinner and Fundraising event! Join us at the Acca Shriners' Center for a night filled with delicious food, cultural performances, and fundraising activities to support our community. Let's come together to honor the rich history and heritage of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Don't miss out on this special evening of celebration and giving back. See you there!

We are thrilled to extend an invitation to the Dr. Musau WaKabongo Science Education Foundation's 64th Celebration of the Independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Dinner and Fundraising event, taking place on July 13, 2024. Under the theme "Empowering and Equipping the Youth of Tomorrow," this event marks a significant milestone in our journey towards fostering scientific knowledge and innovation to address community challenges and uplift lives.

The Dr. Musau WaKabongo Science Education Foundation (DMWSE) is a Virginia-based 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation dedicated to serving as a beacon of scientific knowledge and creativity. Our mission is to leverage the power of science and natural resources to effect positive change and prevent the spread of diseases.

At the heart of our initiatives lies a commitment to transforming the lives of youth, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Since our inception, DMWSE has been actively involved in empowering the youth of the Congo through various educational programs and initiatives. In 2021, we established the 4-H chapter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, aligning with the African 4-H Network and the global 4-H movement.

This endeavor focuses on instilling citizenship, leadership, responsibility, and life skills in young individuals through experiential learning programs.

As we step into the 64th Independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we invite you to join us in our fundraising efforts to support our ongoing initiatives in Cibombo. With your generous contributions, we aim to raise $10,000 to $15,000 to further our mission and impact in the community.

There are several ways in which you can support our cause:

• Purchase a Ticket to the Dinner: Secure your in person seat at the celebration for $129 or virtual seat $49 to be part of this inspiring event.

• Table Sponsorship: Become a Table Sponsor for $800 and receive eight seats to the dinner, offering a unique opportunity to engage with community leaders and stakeholders.

• Sponsorship Packages: Choose from our Silver, Bronze, or Gold sponsorship packages, each offering varying levels of recognition and benefits tailored to suit your organization's needs and preferences.

• Individual Donations: Make a meaningful contribution based on the mineral wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ranging from Copper and Cobalt to Tin levels, and be acknowledged in our program and website.

Your support will enable us to continue our vital work in empowering youth, fostering scientific literacy, and driving positive change in the Congo and beyond. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities.

We sincerely thank you for considering our cause and for your unwavering support. Join us as we embark on this journey to empower the youth of tomorrow and create a brighter future for all.

For more information and to pledge your support, please visit our website.

Musau WaKabongo, Ph.D., HCLD/CC(ABB) is the founder, president, and CEO of Dr. Musau WaKabongo Science Education, Inc. Dr. WaKabongo is also the founder and CEO of 4-H in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2021). She is the mother of four adult children and has six grandchildren.

Dr. WaKabongo is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Central Africa, where she was born in Lubumbashi (Elizabethville). Dr. WaKabongo came to the United States in the early seventies.

She holds a doctorate in Microbiology from the Medical College of Virginia (VA), Richmond, VA. She taught Medical Microbiology at the Des Moines Osteopathic Medical Center, Des Moines, IA, as a tenured Associate Professor and is a retired director of a public health laboratory in California (Placer and Merced Counties).

Kasongo M. Kapanga, PhD,

Chairman of the 64th Celebration of the Independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Dinner and Fundraising Event.

Dr. Kapanga is a Professor of French at the University of Richmond where he has taught Francophone Literature and Culture for more than 30 years. He has lived in Richmond for all his professional career and his three children born in the United States live in the Richmond area as well.

Dr. Kapanga is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was born in Likasi, grew up in the Katanga province, went to high school in Kasai (Kabwe), and completed all his tertiary education in Lubumbashi and Bukavu where he taught at ISP/Bukavu for three years.

He completed an M.A. in Applied Linguistics at the University of Durham, U.K., before completing his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at Vanderbilt University, Nashville. Dr. Kapanga goes back often to the Congo to do research and collaborate with fellow academics at the University of Lubumbashi and Université Notre Dame in Kananga, Central Kasai.

He served on the boards of two major US-based professional organizations, namely the African Studies Association and the African Literature Association. He is one of the founders of the Congolese Studies Association (Association des Etudes Congolaises) for which he served three tours as President for more than a decade.

He has published extensively on Congolese literature and culture and his book Writing the Nation: Expressing Identity through Congolese Literary Texts and Films was published by Africa World Press in 2017. Dr. Kapanga is currently the Chair of the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Richmond.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Elsie Tshimunyi McKee
Archibald Alexander Professor of Reformation Studies and History of Worship Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary (Retired)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Acca Shriners' Center, 1712 Bellevue Avenue, Richmond, United States