My name is Anna-Marie!  I lived in Africa as a child and my dream is to go back to Africa and help invest in the children and its economic and sustainable future.   I have a trip planned to DR Congo, but it is happening much sooner than originally planned; thus, this page was created.
 
Aside from living there as a young child, in 2000,  I was living and working in California and met a guest speaker - originally from DR Congo - who was speaking of the on-going Civil War in DR Congo.  I shared an idea with him - the goal was to establish an entrepreneurial and computer training center to help provide new opportunities to the Congolese.  At first, there were many strange looks, conflicting opinions, but within 2 years an amazing team of partners and volunteers shipped computers and a team to DR Congo and the vision started coming to life.  As a single mom, I was unable to travel with the team to DR Congo at the time.  No one knew at that time, in just a short time, those computers would be used to train more than 2000+ election officials across key locations to support the first democratic election for DR Congo in more than 40 years.

Although challenges continue in the region, today in that small area where the computers were first sent... now stands an accredited University offering multiple degrees to future Congo leaders, Sabuli's Children's Center and countless partners have stepped to continue to fuel the health and development in the region. 

Since 2000, I've wanted to join the work that was sparked and help fuel the visions to help the Congolese.  I knew that I was going to return one day - I just didn't know the exact date.   I am leaving mid-November, anticipating approximately 6 months on-the-ground.  This will be the first of several long-term trips. 

Please watch this video and you will know a bit more of my story, why I am going to Congo and how I am supporting the local community through specific, measurable and sustainable project work. 

www.annamarieanderson.com 

Below are some additional facts and details to understand why this is important. 

Where am I going: The capital city:  Kinshasa and then I will reside and support those living in Gemena.

Why does Congo Matter:  Deadliest conflict since World War II.  5+ Million Killed - Years of Civil War - Driven by Conflict Minerals . 

Democratic Republic of Congo is consider the poorest country in the world.  I am traveling and committed to helping in its poorest region. 

Why am I going?  This is my calling, my dream and my passion and I have skills, talents are resources that can help empower the Congolese and improve their future and opportunities. 

Who am I working with? 

My two key partners in USA are Congo Voice and PCC, all charitable organizations with 501 C 3 status. However, the work I will support crosses many areas with the University, Community, Business and more - I will complete the critical work identified within the community - the majority of it driven through UPU and Congo Voice.

In the Congo, I will support the visions of CongoVoice, Dr. Mossai Sanguma, the founder of an accredited University ("UPU") and his lovely wife, Sabuli Sanguma who leads and loves the Children's Center (and orphanage) that cares 70+ children.

Congo Voice and PCC are also long-standing partners with a physical presence in the region.  Dr. Mossai Sanguma and Mike Seashols are co-founders of CongoVoice.  PCC is my employer from 2000 - when the first introduction to Dr. Mossai Sanguma was made - and an idea and vision shared.   

I hope you will take the time to learn more about my upcoming work and consider getting involved, partnering with projects or helping fund my travel, projects and local needs.

Thanks for your support! :-)

Anna-Marie

A Glimpse of My Story and Projects:


Intro to CongoVoice: