Aug 1, 2024 4 min read

Three years ago, my dear friend Dorothy Curley Tecklenberg invited me to speak virtually at a Youth Conference in Africa. As a result of that presentation, I met Freddy Mushagalusa, the director of an award-winning rural-based organization in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Women’s Talking Circles Foundation focuses on empowering women through the use of talking circles. These circles provide a safe and supportive space for women to come together, share their experiences, and discuss various issues affecting their lives.

Freddy and I developed a relationship where teens from the DRC Zoomed monthly with peer educators from our Teen Outreach. While the teens’ cultures were literally worlds apart, they shared common growing-up challenges and dreams.

Last week, Freddy journeyed to America and met with our teens at the Common Ground Teen Center. The following teen responses were given to two questions: 1. What did you learn from Freddy? 2. What would your wishes for the DR Congo teens be?

Elizabeth Brison, 17: 1. I learned that the people in the DR Congo have concerns that are so much bigger than us. We concern ourselves with minor things, such as deciding what to cook for dinner, while they concern themselves with whether they will live through the next day. The war near them is so close and so terrible that it has become the majority of what they think about. This doesn’t mean our problems mean nothing, it is simply humbling to my perspective. 2. I wish only the best for the kids in the Congo. I wish they were safe, and I hope the war ends soon so they can have the privilege of simple concerns, much like what we have daily.

Mason Hankins, 12: 1. I learned there is a civil war in the Congo. 2. I wish the teens in the DR Congo can stay safe.

Camden Henderson, 12: 1. I learned life is harder in the Congo than we experience in the USA. 2. I wish their teens can be safe during the war.

Isaiah Hollowood, 12: 1. I learned we have more in common than I thought, even though we are from different continents. 2. I wish the teens in the Congo can help change their country for the better.

Logan Hollowood, 16: 1. I learned about different foods, for example, a dish called ugali, which is like a cornmeal loaf surrounding other food. 2. I wish the teens there have a chance to live without fear of the war and can live safely.

Yanti Lyle, 17: 1. I learned that where Freddy lives is rich in minerals. I learned more about their living situation. 2. I wish the teens in the Congo can stay safe and are able to get the choice to do what they want, specifically the young women.

Elle Sickman, 14: 1. I learned that Freddy has gone through a lot but is so very strong. 2. I wish the teens in the Congo will be strong like Freddy.

Irre Sickman, 16: 1. I learned the teens in the Congo celebrate some holidays like we do. 2. I wish the teens in the Congo could experience things like we do.

Myla Young, 12: 1. I learned about the culture in the Congo, the games the teens play, and the kinds of food they eat. 2. I wish the teens in the Congo could experience all four seasons.

Car’Liyah Walden, 17: 1. I learned there is a war happening right now in the DR Congo. 2. I wish teens there could have a safe space like we do.

Isaiah Weakland, 17: 1. I learned about the closeness of the Congo community. I learned some oppression exists in the DR Congo, especially for women. And there are animals everywhere! 2. I hope the teens in the Congo do not give up and the country becomes accepting of everything new.

Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.