DRC – Katkazad Goretti: Empowering Congo’s Youth Through MINZOTO CLUB

Goretti Kat Kazad Mutomb is a passionate entrepreneur and researcher in communication and information at the University of Information and Communication in Kinshasa. She is also the founder and owner of MINZOTO CLUB, an educational cultural center designed to empower the youth of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The center focuses on providing teenagers and young adults (ages 12-35) with the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

MINZOTO CLUB offers a wide range of creative workshops in coding, robotics, photography, slam, science, art, and literature. In addition to these, the center also provides personal development programs and professional growth workshops, bridging the gap between the theoretical knowledge offered in schools and the practical skills required in the real world. This initiative reflects Goretti Kat vision of filling the void left by the current educational system and the lack of infrastructure that young people in the DRC face.

The Inspiration Behind MINZOTO CLUB

Goretti Kat shared with Just4WomenAfrica that the idea for MINZOTO CLUB was born out of her observation of the significant gap between what teenagers learn in school and what they actually need to succeed in life. She saw how the lack of specialized cultural and sports facilities was hindering the growth and development of young people in the DRC, so she decided to take matters into her own hands.

Starting with just two people and offering programs in schools, Goretti Kat vision has grown to now support over 2,000 teenagers across Kinshasa. Today, through her leadership and determination, MINZOTO CLUB is inspiring young people to develop the skills and mindset needed to express their potential and pursue their dreams.

Embracing Community Leadership and Social Commitment

When asked what inspired her to get involved in community leadership and social initiatives, Goretti Kat said that leadership chose her, rather than the other way around. Growing up in the southern region of the DRC, she was actively involved in helping her community, particularly working with the youth. Moving to Kinshasa, she saw a lack of opportunities for teenagers and felt compelled to create those opportunities herself.

Reflecting on her journey, Goretti Kat says that her focus now is understanding what tools African youth need and finding ways to provide them. She believes that giving young people the resources and opportunities they need to succeed is essential for shaping a brighter future for the DRC.

Challenges in Community Leadership

One of the biggest challenges Goretti Kat faces in her leadership role is changing people’s mentality. She explained that, in many African countries, existing systems make it difficult to implement change. In the DRC, where infrastructure and support systems are often lacking, this challenge is even greater. However, Goretti Kat resilience and commitment to her vision keep her pushing forward, despite the obstacles.

She also noted a common misconception about community leadership, people think they can’t become rich by serving their community. You can be rich by serving your community. That why She chose to create a company not an NGO, after being an activist for 5 years. She said because creating jobs, creating innovating solution is another way to serve our community and in our context that is our urgent need. Also because Youth in Africa we have the challenge to create our place in the World market.

She emphasized that while this might be true in some parts of the world with stronger economic systems, such as Europe or America, it is not always the case in Africa. Community leadership, according to Goretti Kat, should come from a place of passion and a desire to make a difference, rather than financial gain.

Advice for Aspiring Community Leaders

For those interested in starting their own community leadership journey, Goretti Kat advice is simple yet powerful: be passionate about what you are doing. Without passion, it is difficult to sustain the energy and commitment required to make meaningful change. Leadership, she says, should come from the heart and a genuine desire to improve the lives of others.

Leadership Qualities and Women in Africa

When asked about the qualities essential for effective community leadership, Goretti Kat highlighted the importance of patient, resilience, and adaptability. She also offered advice specifically to women across Africa, noting that men and women have different leadership styles, and these differences influence their roles in society. She encourages women to embrace their unique qualities and to lead with confidence and purpose, knowing that their contributions are vital to the growth and success of their communities.

Through MINZOTO CLUB and her unwavering dedication to the youth of the DRC, Katkazad Goretti is not only shaping future leaders but also setting an inspiring example of what it means to lead with vision, heart, and determination.

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