On our second trip together to Africa last Thanksgiving, we decided to go to the place where the deadliest war in the world was occurring: the Congo. The entire time we were there, we traveled with an extraordinary Congolese guy named Fidel Bafilemba. His video profile is the first in a new video series being launched by the Enough Project, called I Am Congo.
Most of the stories we hear about Congo are of rape, conflict, and exploitation. Those stories are real and we saw plenty of evidence of them.
But that's not the whole story of Congo. Watching our friend Fidel's video profile helps expand the story of Congo beyond its pain, and highlights what Congolese people all over are doing to create a better future for their country.
Fidel symbolizes the complexities and potential of Congo. He was formerly a member of a militia, but now he is a human rights activist and community organizer. Hanging with him is like being with a walking, talking encyclopedia of knowledge of history, culture, politics, and people. He speaks 13 languages. In the midst of all the difficulties, Fidel is a snappy dresser, he loves pizza, and he is a devoted family man. He has a great talent for quips, and a quick smile. He also shows deep compassion, and amazing grace under pressure. Just like Congo.
One of our favorite features of this video is that we're not in it.
After you learn a little about Fidel, there are other profiles of courageous Congolese living their lives and standing up for what they believe in. We hope you'll take the time to watch these profiles and get to know Congo and its people a little better. Our time getting to know Congolese people deeply affected us, and we hope the same will be true for you.
Watch the new I Am Congo video series -- because Congolese faces and voices are front and center in it.
Ryan Gosling is an actor. John Prendergast is a co-founder of the Enough Project and author of "Unlikely Brothers."
Introducing 'I Am Congo' | Enough
Strangely, I am AMAZED by such a authentic interest by a silly actor! This is such a great take and insight. Americans humbly exploring the world without the we-know-it-best approach is the way out of spreading war like candy.
My prediction: The Mr. Gosseling will get into politics. As he is growing up to be a man his mind and soul is shifting his interest from how do l look on TV to how is the world and my country doing and how can I contribute. There is some sort of shift in this soon to be man (how old is he again?) He will crash against lots of closed doors, will be smeared, ridiculed and hated, but he will be the hope for the weak, the poor, his people and be loved and supported and respected by humans with souls. He got two choices embrace the live of opposition to his drive to make a true change or stick with the shallow look-at-me acting drain my soul until l kill myself crowd. The Gosseling is headed towards politics!!! God bless you.
BTW, some of us consider ourselves citizens of the world. I don't feel that Americans are any more entitled to my help than Africans. I'm sure you still disdain me, just letting you know why many of us choose to help Africans.
The worlds' humanitarian orgs will probably provide minimal assistance. The Congolese don't need much to turn it around.
Just keep groups like The Fellowship out! You already see the results of their "christian" influence in Uganda!
They are doing what is practiced in war and conquest - only in reverse!
The Fellowship comes in with religion, causing militancy against what or whom they believe to be their bogeyman. Then comes corporate interests, to exploit the land and its people!
Do NOT let them gain a foothold!
Thank-you.
I think you... Mr. Prendergast and Gosling ... are rock stars. Separately and together.