Real Stories, Real Impact
How ECC Scholarships Are Changing Lives in the Democratic Republic of CongoAt Education Congo Canada (ECC), we believe that education is more than a right, it's a gateway to dignity, purpose, and transformation. Every scholarship awarded is a promise made to a young person: that their dreams are valid and their future is worth investing in. Meet the students turning that promise into action by transforming their communities with your support.
Hekima Lukwesa Hortense
For two years now, I have had the ECC scholarship. This scholarship is very precious for me and a financial relief for my parents and my family. My parents always paid the school too late, which meant missing some of the classes and exams. Today, they are breathing and it is victory for the whole family. The scholarship helps me to pursue my dream in agricultural science and to serve my country, for the work for the sustainability of the environment. Because of this scholarship, I am becoming a leader, that I dreamed to be. It helps me to participate in research, internships and other extra academic activities. I want to tell you that, every day, I measure the chance you gave me and I want to show my appreciation by being serious with my studies and showing commitment to the care of agriculture and the nature.
Esther Kapashika Senga
My father is a teacher with a meagre salary. My mother is a housekeeper. We are four children, and all are in school, which is a heavy burden to our parents. Since I started the first year, I was late paying academic fees and always had problems not attending some courses. Supporting the education of 4 children given the situation in DRC is a challenge. When I was preparing to go for my internship, I saw the call to apply for the scholarship. Without delay, I submitted my application and I got it. This has been a big relief. I sincerely appreciate ECC.
Dr Cécilia Agino Foussiadka
At the centre is Dr Cécilia Agino Foussiadka, Director of the Centre of Excellence Denis Mukwege (CEDM), accompanied by some of our current scholarship students (2026).
Ngoka Rajabu Mwenebatu: A Future in Public Health
Ngoka is studying Public Health after losing his father and being raised by his mother.He aspires to specialize in epidemiology and biostatistics to improve healthcareaccess in the DRC. As one of five siblings, the financial strain on his mother wasimmense.
“This scholarship is more than money, it’s the foundation for my life’s work. WithoutECC, I may have had to abandon my studies.”
Thanks to ECC, Ngoka is now advancing confidently in his academic journey and isdetermined to serve communities across Congo with data-driven health solutions.
Esther Senga: Cultivating Food Security
Raised by a single mother and one of four children, Esther is pursuing a degree inAgricultural Sciences. With the DRC’s abundant but underused agriculturalpotential, her dream is to develop food transformation systems in rural areas toreduce hunger.
“This bursary gave me the stability to focus on my education, and it even helpedease the burden on my mother’s health.”
Esther’s commitment to community-centered solutions for food preservation isinspiring a new generation of sustainable thinkers.
Joëlle Elianas: Building a Future in Medicine
Joëlle is one of nine children in a household where her father is a small business owner and her mother is unemployed. Despite these challenges, Joëlle is studying biomedical sciences and is set on becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon.
“Studying medicine is demanding. With this scholarship, I’m no longer distracted by fees, I’m focused on becoming the best I can be.”
Joëlle represents the next generation of medical professionals, driven not by prestige but by a desire to give back to communities in need.
Be the Reason Someone Believes in Their Future
Donate to ECC and help fund the next generation of changemakers.