Students organize benefit for education in the Congo

Sounds of drums, shakers and guitars will fill The Pourhouse Café from 7-9 p.m. today to benefit children in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“Teach Me, Congo” is open to the community and will raise funds and awareness for Giving Back to Africa, an organization co-founded by adjunct professor for the School of Public and Environmental Affairs Ann Marie Thomson, who grew up in the Congo.

“She had a deep desire to give back to the country she felt so strongly about and had learned so much from,” said Michael Valliant, executive director of GBA.

GBA aims to empower Congolese children within their communities by teaching them the skill of leadership through service. According to givingbacktoafrica.org, approximately 50 percent of the Congolese population is under the age of 15, so there is tremendous potential for GBA to make a difference. Valliant has visited Kinshasa twice.

“The one thing that struck me is that what we hear in statistics about this very poverty-stricken place, you’d assume going into it that you will find people unable to function or so down that they can’t survive,” Valliant said. “But there is this incredible entrepreneurial spirit and drive.”

However, funds are needed in order to turn the entrepreneurial spirit of the Congolese into a physical reality, Valliant said. He said that is why two student organizations got together to put on “Teach Me, Congo” tonight.

“SPEA USA was looking for a way to get more members involved and give back to the community,” said Sarah Baulac, director of special events for SPEA Undergraduate Student Association.

SPEA USA joined Giving Back to Africa Student Association in planning the event. There will be musical performances by Afro-Cuban Ensemble, Square Peg Round Hole and the Sam Hoffman Trio, as well as food provided by Pourhouse and a silent auction.

“We’re really supported by the community,” President of GBASA Sarah McMahon said. “We got a lot of donations for the silent auction, and we were really floored by that. “

Valliant said he hopes both students and residents will turn out for the event.

“We want to raise funds to support our work, but it’s also an opportunity for IU students to show leadership and get involved with an international awareness organization,” Valliant said. “I’m excited to see how the two student associations pulled it off. I’m incredibly impressed with the work they’ve done.”