Working for Lasting Change - episode 258
Today’s episode is part of a global initiative called Podcasthon, aimed at showcasing the incredible work happening around the world. This week, thousands of podcasts are dedicating their episodes to spotlight a cause, sharing the positive impact being made, and offering listeners ways to get involved. Bijou Mushengezi is a cherished friend of mine and the podcast. Unabashed You is sharing the work Bijou and her team are doing through the charity she began, Moseka Action Project. Moseka specializes in uplifting women and children affected by war, sexual violence, and poverty in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through education, mentorship, and psychological care they are working for lasting change.
You can find Bijou and Moseka’s work at Moseka Action Project.
The children captured my heart.
— Bijou Mushengezi on why she started Moseka Action Project
Unabashed You is a proud participant in Podcasthon, a global nonprofit raising awareness of charities worldwide. Over 1500 podcasts are dedicating one episode March 15 - 21 to highlight the charity of their choice.
Do Something
Thoughts from Working for Lasting Change
As mentioned in this episode, UY had the opportunity to choose a charity to spotlight. A few that are supported came quickly to mind and of course there are many other worthy groups. I chose Moseka because I think more people need to know about the work they are doing. I will admit when I first started to get to know Bijou I was terribly unaware of the atrocities taking place in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I knew it was in Africa (thankfully that registered), I knew it was impoverished, and I knew rebels frequently overtook various towns. I did not know the extent of the damage or how downtrodden many of the people there are, most especially women and children.
One of the children that is being helped by Moseka, is Dany. I have written about him before in Dany has a Piece of My Heart. I am happy to hear he is thriving under the programs Moseka provides. And isn’t that really what we want for every child, to thrive? I know there are many the world over who will not have some of the opportunities we likely take for granted. When I find myself grumbling about something, I work to turn it around to something positive. Didn’t sleep well? Thankful I have a comfortable, warm bed to sleep in. Don’t like what’s for dinner? Thankful I have food, and usually lots of choices. The list goes on and on. Going from privileged to grateful takes some practice.
Bijou and I met through Instagram and I know it seems an unlikely place to connect with someone on a deep level but we did. I quickly learned that Bijou was selling spices to raise money to help the people from her home country, Congo. These spices are found in the dishes there. It was a way to help people be exposed to the culture along with helping the efforts. That led to our first episode. With time came the next. And now the next. I count myself honored to have this unique friendship with her over these past several years.
Interesting to note: we’ve never actually been together ‘in real life’ as they say, (yet). When Moseka was celebrating their 5th year anniversary last summer with a gala, we were hoping to go but there was a conflict with our schedule that could not be resolved. I am hopeful the future will open up the possibility to support Moseka’s efforts more in whatever way I am able. I think it’s important to do something, anything, no matter how small it may seem. It’s something. If you take a lot of small somethings they can add up to a difference.
I look at these photos of the children and feel two things very strongly: the sheer joy in their smiles! It’s representative of hope and gratitude, an appreciation of simple things. I also feel heartbroken at what they don’t have. May those of us who have, share with those who do not. Let us do something.
