Congo?
The biggest challenges will be empathy on the part of Americans,
communication with Congo, travel expense in getting to Congo.
Empathy -- will you find people to support Sickle Cell Anemia? Some. Will
you find people to support Congo? Some. But when you add the two together
some of the some is smaller. It is difficult.
Communication -- First, the country is French speaking at best. The
majority of your clients will probably speak Lingala instead of French.
French is secondary if they went to school long enough. Then, email
(computers and internet) are not readily available. Some professionals will
have computers/laptops but internet access is virtual non-existent. Also,
mail in Congo is non-functional. It cost $26 to mail a letter via USPS
express mail. Then it takes weeks to arrive if it arrives.
Travel -- the cost to fly to Congo is very expensive. It is costing about
$2500 roundtrip now via Air France or Air Brussels. But you can go as cheap
as $1850 if you fly via some other African airlines and countries.
Surprisingly, many donors when ask you if have you been to Congo? They want
to know that you are overseeing or monitoring the projects. That's the
creditability thing.
Question: Also, is it difficult to ship items to Congo with assurance?
Shipping is a major problem in getting stuff to Congo. Shipping,
commercially via FEDEX, UPS, DHL, is very expensive. I use alternative
needs to ship via another NGO. They ship sporadically BUT it is inexpensive
and safe.
Congo is the one of the worst place in the world to do business.
That's the truth of the matter. God will provide for your needs!
Blessings, Woody
Woody M. Collins
President
Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
blog: http://whatswoodydoingnow.blogspot.com
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins/
twitter: http://twitter.com/woodycollins
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