Posted on Apr 27, 2020
It isn’t just health care professionals who have the opportunity to be powerful in this moment of crisis. Around the world, essential workers are building their own power every time they make a delivery, clean a toilet, or cook a meal. And in doing their work, these essential workers — like Georges, Pierre, and Dr. Johny — are giving the rest of us the power we need to get through the pandemic.
Posted on Apr 27, 2020
As executive director of ECI, it gives me great pride to see that our teams in Congo are as committed as ever to serve their own people. Our programs are resilient, our staff is the best in the world, and our mission to serve the Congolese people is stronger than ever.
Posted on Apr 26, 2020
In a crisis that requires handwashing, clean water is indispensable. In a crisis that demands quarantine and medical treatment, clinics and clinicians are indispensable. If our businesses were to survive to serve our communities after the pandemic, we had to serve our communities during it — cost what it might. If you are in the position to make choices about whom to help during this disaster, be aware of what you are doing. How you use the power you have right now will clarify what business you are in.
Posted on Apr 25, 2020
Misfortune survived turns into expertise. When ECI began ten years ago, our founders, Ben Affleck and Whitney Williams, decided to invest in exactly that kind of expertise. Rather than parachuting into eastern Congo to set up well-meaning “programs,” the way most international humanitarian organizations do, Ben and Whitney realized that Congolese people were already solving the challenges they faced — with greater skill, wisdom and ingenuity than foreigners ever could.
Posted on Apr 24, 2020
Part of what makes the coronavirus pandemic so difficult for many Americans is the sense of shock that comes with it. But most of the human family has endured prolonged suffering like this before. The experience of survivors can provide comfort, hope and wisdom.
Posted on Apr 23, 2020
At this moment of global crisis, our executive wants to share some of the ideas he has learned from a lifetime of partnership with people who have been through the unimaginable and survived. At a time of confusion and despair, these ideas might help you find your way to clarity, and even hope. We're calling this series "How to Survive a Disaster."
Posted on Apr 16, 2020
Here are a few stories about how USAID support is helping Asili fight the COVID-19 pandemic in eastern Congo this April 2020.
Posted on Apr 11, 2020
Élaboré pour les amis et les familles des personnes qui pourraient avoir COVID-19 Pourquoi la clinique Asili ne peut-elle pas prendre soin des personnes qui pourraient avoir COVID-19? Le virus qui cause la maladie COVID-19 est très contagieux. Il est facile pour le virus de se transmettre par voie aérienne. Les personnes qui peuvent avoir […]
Posted on Apr 08, 2020
As we trudge through this difficult time in our history, it is worth looking at the comparable realities of those of us in prosperous nations and those living in impoverished ones. In addition to gaining a sense of gratitude, we might be able to even glean a lesson or two.
Posted on Mar 30, 2020
I travel to Congo frequently and I was there during the recent Ebola outbreak, a challenge that is in many ways is precedent to what we face with coronavirus. Here’s a reason for optimism: The Congo just celebrated a major milestone with the passing of an entire month without a new case of Ebola. The Congolese can beat Ebola and we can do the same with coronavirus, especially if we pay close attention to the biggest lesson from that faraway epidemic. Citizens across Africa have beaten Ebola by beating an attitude of distrust in institutions, science and expertise.
