Who we are

Founded by students, united in the diaspora

A community of Banyamulenge across many countries, supporting youth and families in Minembwe and Mulenge for ten years.

Our beginning

CHACHU was founded in 2016 by Banyamulenge university students who refused to watch from the sidelines. They were motivated by a clear need: to elevate the mindsets of Banyamulenge youth, and to take a proactive hand in confronting the social and economic problems their people were facing back in Congo.

Education, dignity, opportunity, and unity were not abstract ideals. They were urgent work. From the diaspora, this team set out to build programs that would strengthen young people, support families in Minembwe and Mulenge, and prove that a generation can be leaven for lasting change.

We are not based in Minembwe. We are a diaspora community with members in different countries. From abroad, we run programs that serve Minembwe and Mulenge.

Ten years later, the zeal is still there. The same conviction that gathered students in 2016 still guides the Executive Board and volunteers today.

In Swahili, chachu means leaven. One committed young person, or one caring donor, can influence many and transform a community.

Elevate the mindsets of Banyamulenge youth.
Act on the social and economic challenges facing our people in Congo.
Stay committed, decade after decade.

A Wealthy and Healthy Community

Since 2016

In the beginning

Photos from the early years: university students who turned concern into community, and community into CHACHU.

Our path

2016

Founded by students

Young Banyamulenge university students launch CHACHU to elevate youth mindsets and confront social and economic challenges facing their people in Congo.
We Feed

Farming & food security Paused

For two years CHACHU gave families seeds, rented land for them to farm, and paid them to work the fields. 100% of the harvest remained property of the farmers. Discontinued due to operational reasons.

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Week at Home

Iyinga i Muhira

Diaspora homecoming: cohorts visit Mulenge for football, peace & reconciliation, and sexual health education.

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Kubwegera

IDP camps visit

CHACHU visited the Kubwegera Internally Displaced Persons camps and provided hygiene supplies for displaced Banyamulenge families.
Today

Education, Women Empowerment, Iyinga i Muhira & CYCF

School fees, women empowerment, diaspora homecoming to Mulenge, and the Chachu Youth Community Fellowship for the next generation of leaders.