Previous | Next 

Akron, Pa.
The face of capacity building


Home is not a safe place for many women and children in Congo, and Eléonore Kilabi is determined to see this change. A teacher and co-pastor of a Mennonite Brethren church in Congo, Kilabi has been working to educate people about domestic violence.

Rev. Eléonore Kilabi, from Congo talks with Brenda Wagner (MCC East Coast). MCC news photo by Tony Siemens

“My concern is to spread the culture of peace in churches, and throughout society in Congo – starting with kids in elementary school,” she says.

A previous recipient of a MCC scholarship to attend Eastern Mennonite University’s Summer Peacebuilding Institute, Kilabi will spend the next two years at Fresno Pacific University in California, getting her masters degree in peacemaking and conflict management. Then she will return to teach others.

This is the face of capacity building.

“Does MCC do a program on domestic violence or identify [local] people who can address the issue?” asks Edgar Metzler, MCC international program director. “MCC has always helped to train individuals . . . but the new emphasis is empowering local organizations to do the things they want to do.”

In this case, capacity building works both ways, notes interim Africa director Melody Rupley. In Congo, Kilabi serves on a council – made up of representatives from the community, churches, and partner organizations – that advises MCC about its work in that country. “MCC’s capacity to work well and authentically in Congo is enhanced by Eléonore’s contributions.”

 – Cathleen Hockman–Wert for Meetinghouse

Previous | Next 

Last modified October 10, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.