“I believe in a Congo without hunger and run for Congolicious Foundation”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers…
My name is Olivier Mulenda Fwamba, born, raised and residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I am a Philanthropist and serial entrepreneur. Passionate about Congo, art, music, reading and sport. But today I present myself as Founder and President of the non-profit association Congolicious Foundation.
Is Congo River Marathon the first running event that you take part in our have you run other races?
I usually run 10k and 20k on my own, but the Congo River Marathon will be for me the first run with more people. So yes, the Congo River Marathon is for me the first general public running event in which I will participate.
What is your motivation for participating this year?
Since its creation in 2021, I have always wanted to participate but I couldn't for lack of time. However, when I found out that there would be a 2023 edition, I told myself that this time I wouldn't miss it. You remember at the beginning I said, I was passionate about the Congo so everything that puts it forward, puts the Congo on the world map with a positive look, I agree. My participation this year is already to support this magnificent event, hoping that it lasts and also to encourage the concept of supporting local associations because by doing this, we create a chain of solidarity, love and hope within our community.
Are you running alone or as a team?
I will run as a team. With my colleagues from Congolicious Foundation.
When you think of running and nutrition, what comes to mind?
Mental Health! Running is an intimate and therapeutic moment for me. I practice it to do an introspection, to feel good about myself, to increase my self-esteem, to find fuel for my gnac.
Tell us more about Congolicious Foundation and what is your goal to run and raise funds?
In 2022, after the second edition of the culinary festival against hunger called “Congo Food Week”, that the foundation is organizing since 2020, we have collected funds, which have enabled us to provide food to those displaced by war in Goma, precisely in the site of KANYARUTSHINYA. Before, our organization was more focused on the organization of the festival, but after we saw how many people were in need and especially after studying the economic and social issues, my colleagues and me agreed, to broaden the vision of the organization, to do more activities and programs to help more people.
To do this, we have set ourselves as the main social objective the fight against hunger in the DRC, because we are convinced that children who eat will be assiduous in school to have a good education and be useful to society. Women and men who live without worrying about what they will eat tomorrow, will be more effective in contributing to the development of the nation and providing for the needs of their families. With this in mind, we have set up a philanthropic program called "bibititude". The goal of this program is to empower displaced women in eastern DRC by training them in different food businesses and giving them all the tools they need to create their own businesses. Through this program we aim to create leaders in entrepreneurship. Women who will leave the status of war and become heads of businesses. Women who will create jobs, who will promote what is made in Congo, who will manage to meet the needs of their families and who will automatically contribute to the development of the country, the DRC. We are convinced, that to develop a country, you have to count on women. The funds collected thanks to Congo River Marathon will help us to realize this ambitious program to give hope to our compatriots.
How can others find you and support you in raising funds?
You can contribute to the success of the Bibititude program by supporting my run here:
https://www.givengain.com/cc/support-bibititudeprogramme-of-the-congolicious-foundation.
Also, visit us at Congoliciousfoundation.org to learn more about what we do.