We continue our celebration of “Welcoming Week,” a nationwide effort to build connections between neighbors of all backgrounds, with a spotlight on our new Akron neighbors from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

People in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been dealing with one of the longest, most complex humanitarian crises in the world. The most recent crisis was sparked by escalated conflict in 1994; since then, millions have been forced from their homes.

As a nation rich in natural resources, the Congo has been exploited for centuries. Rebel groups fill the power vacuum left by poor governance and rampant corruption. National armies seek control of the country’s abundant mineral wealth, sparking constant violence impacting families and entire communities.

Not only have Congolese people endured years of armed conflicts and forced displacement, but food insecurity and multiple recurring epidemics have taken a heavy toll. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation, causing another major blow to the country’s economy and increasing hunger and poverty even more.

For these reasons and more, the International Institute of Akron continues to welcome Congolese people to Ohio and help them resettle in their new homes, with vital help from our partners, neighbors, and volunteers.

Eka Anthony, an IIA Refugee Resettlement Support Specialist, fled the Congo in 2007 and finally came “home” to Akron in 2015, helped by World Relief, a former resettlement agency in Akron that had to close due to the lack of federal support for refugees under the Trump administration.

Anthony said, “[they] welcomed me and picked me up from the airport, took me to a house… They gave us clothing, furniture, kitchen supplies... I had people [volunteers] show me around, how to navigate the community. We became like family.”

After settling in, new Ohioans from the Congo like Eka and others have gotten involved in their communities. Elijah Kidjana of Cleveland was instrumental in forming the Congolese Community of Greater Cleveland (CCGC) to help newcomers adapt to life in their new city. He said, “The goal of the CCGC is to share ideas together about what we [as Congolese refugees] can do to succeed in Cleveland… We know if we work together as a group, we can go farther than as individuals.”

The International Institute of Akron agrees with Kidjana: we can move forward, together. We need your help assisting Congolese families and individuals as they relocate to the Akron area in the coming year.

Donations of time, goods, money, and services are always welcomed. Needs include furniture, clothes, school supplies, housing, money, and assistance with English-language instruction and administrative tasks. Sign up to volunteer at this link: https://bit.ly/VolunteerIIA; donate to fund our life-saving work at https://bit.ly/DonateIIA.

In the spirit of Welcoming Week, join us in being a part of the community that gives a warm welcome to New Akronites from the Congo.