United Congolese Community of Oregon (UCCO)
UCCO Mission:
To establish strong connections between Congolese individuals residing in Oregon and essential resources. Our objective is to ensure that the Congolese community has easy access to a wide range of valuable support systems and services. This includes:
- Providing information on local resources, such as community organizations, educational programs, and employment assistance, to empower individuals in their personal and professional development.
- Facilitating access to healthcare services by offering guidance on medical professionals, clinics, and insurance options, thereby promoting the well-being of community members.
- Creating opportunities for networking and community engagement, both within the Congolese community and with other communities, to foster social connections and promote cultural exchange.
- Sharing knowledge about legal rights, immigration services, and providing support in navigating the legal system to ensure that individuals have the necessary information and assistance.
Purpose
To create a thriving and self-sufficient community for Congolese residents in Oregon, with a focus on their well-being and empowerment.
As a volunteer, here are the various issues that we tackle:
As a volunteer, here are the various issues that we tackle:
- Technology Education:
- During Summer 2023, UCCO had an opportunity to pattern with Xfinity. We were able to receive free Laptop to kick start our training program. Technology has become an essential tool in our society, therefore allowing immigrants to get access to this new knowledge and to learn to navigate, will allow them fit in this new society and be connected to various sources of help they need. Examples: Hospitals, job search, school programs, transportation and many more.
- During the program, many immigrants had received a forfeit that lower their internet monthly bill.
- Evaluation of the youth:
- Education Level: While migrating to the US, many youths had faced different challenges from where they are coming from. Specially in the Congo, where the country has been ravaged with war and political instability, many youths don’t have a good education level, although their age might be higher. So, we came up with plan of placing student in classes based on their education level, not according to their age.
- Civics: We try our best to teach our youth the importance of knowing the law, their rights, and to have good morals.
- Support of Youth Mothers: Due to difficult reality, some youth arrive in the US with a child or pregnant. Feeling ashamed, they refused to attend school and lose hope for a better future. We have a program to support and encourage them to attend school and be educated. To strive in this society, education is crucial.
Reflection
I will say that this job has impacted my life in a positive way. I have realized how much of a support have been for my people, and how the youth look up to me as a positive model. And the Congolese Community is so great to have UCCO around, for they help them to transition smoothly into this new society and strive.