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Chingwell Mutombu

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Microlender’s small loans spark big changes in the Congo

I was born in Iowa and raised in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Growing up I saw a lot of hopeful entrepreneurs in my country, but with no access to start-up funding the endless wheel of poverty would just keep on turning. It was up to me to be a “stick in the spokes” of that wheel.

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DR Congo, a view from above--(courtesy-BBC) Life in a village--DR Congo--(courtesy-BBC) Women standing on top of a hill--DR Congo--(Courtesy--BBC) Entrepreneur tending to her business Mother preparing lunch after a long day in the market Stapple food in the DR Congo "fufu"--is made out of corn meal.  When you help mothers increase their income, families thrive! Women entrepreneurs selling goods on the main road--(Lubumbashi DRC) A market place in the slum of Lubumbashi--(Katumba). Toddlers imitate their mothers on loan repayment activities! Lizette--one of the entrepreneurs is braiding my hair.  Muzi learns how to make bread--she wants to start her own baking business! Gisele and her children in front of her store--First Step's client!
DR Congo, a view from above--(courtesy-BBC)

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Chingwell Mutombu Local artist uses her talents to help launch businesses in the DR Congo!

Jun 15, 2008 09:25 pm

I thought I should drop a couple of lines to tell you a little bit about our henna party and the lady who made it possible.  Yesterday, Ayesha Alam, a local artist from Plymouth, Minnesota hosted a henna party for First Step Initiative to help us raise awareness as well as raise funds to support our microfinance work in the Congo.  Ayesha... Read More


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Eleanor
June 19, 2008 - 4:39pm

Those are some beautiful designs! Very cool.

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Fast Facts

Chingwell's organization

  • First Step Initiative
  • www.firststepinitiative.org
  • First Step Initiative is a Minnesota-based Microfinance organization on a mission to change lives and empower communities.

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  • 66 Clicks to First Step Initiative
  • 16 Backers for Chingwell
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Latest Story Comments

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manekshaw
January 7, 2008 - 8:43am

My Dear co-changent,
Greetings. It may not be thought that I am bragging about my service to the society but it is hereby to present some data for a noble cause. Kindly allow me to submit that I am a National Youth Award winner-2007 from His Excellency the president of India 2007 Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, highest civilian Award for the youth in India, for my tsunami relief and rehabilitation activities during and aftermath of tsunami and defending the welfare of the children with Mental Retardation. Nominated for the another National Award from the Government of India on 3rd December 2008, Coordinator of Guinness world record event of planting 2 54 464 saplings in 24 hours. The number of saplings planted in memorial of as many victims of South Asian Tsunami worldwide. Within one year of its start activities my organization, EshaasEP, distinguished as best social institution safeguarding the welfare of the Persons with Mental Retardation and received 5 awards. I wish to expand the support base for my organization for work more efficiently and effectively. I Request that you and your friends circle and others who are all in touch with you may be appealed to support this noble cause. I am confident-filled physically challenged person. I can not walk 20 steps together but I move upto The President of India to receive my National Award. Kindly visit www.manekshaw.hi5.com wherein you can view all the testimonials of my activities in the photo album and Video section. May I request you to contact me at 9952688716 for any clarification?

Yours sincerely, at service,
Manekshaw

Chingwell
November 25, 2007 - 3:53pm

Alex,

Thank you very much for your warm welcome. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. I learned about Changents last week from the Chronicle of Philanthropy eNews and I was thrilled to learn about your work and decided to join Changents right away. Thank you very much for creating such a wonderful platform for change agents to share their stories, and learn from each other as we all try to make our world community a better place for all. So, I am very thrilled to be part of this dynamic group of people.
I just saw Shawn's story and in fact I was introduced to Shawn Smith a couple of months ago but I am going to contact him again. Thank you for suggesting that Alex and if you know of other people that you think I should connect with you, please let me know.

Chingwell

Alex
November 24, 2007 - 6:35pm

Chingwell,

Welcome to Changents and thanks for posting your story. We exist to broadcast the stories of Change Agents like you who have found their own unique ways to move the needle on the world's most vexing issues. Hopefully, you've seen the story of Shawn Smith, founder of Agents of Change in Canada. Like you, Shawn is on the leading edge of micro-finance and blazing his own path to git 'er done! If you'd like to connect with Shawn, please let me know and I'd be happy to facilitate an introduction.

Alex

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