Red Barn Event: Sowing Seeds, Growing Hope with Victor Yemba

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82206744804

This is a FREE event with a donation basket at the door.
Doors open at 6:30pm for a community social with beer and wine available for purchase. The presentation will start at 7:00pm.

This Red Barn Event is in partnership with Waste Loop.

Although Democratic Republic of Congo holds some of the richest mineral deposits on the planet, its people live in poverty. Some of these minerals, such as Cobalt, are essential for the making of cell phones, tablets, computers, and the lithium batteries used in electric cars. Around 70% of the world’s cobalt deposits are in DRC Congo. Corrupt officials and tech companies make billions, but the wealth does not trickle down.

The lingering effects of colonization, continuous warfare, and a corrupt government, has left the country in shambles. Half the population is undernourished, and the country’s infrastructure is in ruins. There seems to be little reason for hope, yet the Congolese people maintain a vibrant and resilient culture filled with music. Victor is an example of hope and resiliency. He is dedicated to sowing seeds and growing hope.

Victor Yemba grew up in this broken country in a village called Simi-Simi, near the city of Kinsangani. He began farming with his grandfather at the age of six and began to realize that his family had more to eat than most. Extra children would appear at the campfire each night to eat and listen to his grandfather’s stories.

His life changed violently in June of 2000 when the war came to Kinsangani. Victor and other members of his village were forced to flee to the jungle to escape the violence. Victor was able to call upon his farming experience for sustenance while in hiding. When it was finally safe to go home Victor began to work within his community teaching sustainable farming techniques.

Eventually he heard about an international organization called “Slow Food”, which was attempting to promote sustainable agriculture on a community level. Victor joined them in a project called “10,000 Gardens in Africa”. Over a five-year period, he led the creation of 50 school and community gardens. His activities working with communities made him a target for corrupt government officials who tried to bribe him to influence voters. His refusal to cooperate led to increasing death threats which eventually forced him to immigrate to the United States. He now lives in Seattle Washington and helps his people from afar.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82206744804