Université Bâtissons l’Espoir au Centre de l’Afrique

A Vision for Transformation Through Education

One of our most impactful initiatives is the creation of Université Bâtissons l’Espoir au Centre de l’Afrique (UBECA)—a vocational and academic university launched in Dungu, DRC in the fall of 2018.

In a region deeply impacted by decades of conflict, poverty, and trauma, UBECA serves as a beacon of hope, equipping a new generation with education, technical skills, and Christ-centered leadership to rebuild lives and communities.

 

Meeting a Deep Need

The territory of Dungu has endured years of instability and devastation from violence, especially from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). The lack of infrastructure, higher education, and vocational training has left young people without opportunities and communities without skilled leaders. Fewer than 5% of local youth have access to higher education.

Today, 47 students are enrolled at UBECA in degree programs including Theology, Agriculture, Economics, Law, and Education. Eleven students are graduating this summer, a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the power of education grounded in Christian values.

 

Current Challenges

While the vision is growing, UBECA faces critical infrastructure limitations. The lack of permanent classroom space is restricting student capacity, and construction of permanent classrooms, a library, and administrative offices is essential to secure full accreditation from the Ministry of Education in the DRC.

In the meantime, two temporary classroom buildings are being used and the Hope House guesthouse and conference center (built in 2017) hosts visiting professors and seminars.

 

Innovation & Sustainability

To support development, two special projects are currently underway:

Brick-making: supplies materials for permanent classroom construction.

Beekeeping and honey business: Newly launched with a generous donation received in April.This initiative will help generate sustainable income while offering students practical experience in entrepreneurship and agriculture.

Praise God for the ongoing opportunity to offer Christian university education and for the resources that continue to come in His timing.

Long-Term Vision

UBECA’s strategic plan includes:

  • 60-acre university campus serving up to 750 students

  • A wide range of degree and vocational programs

  • An emphasis on spiritual formation, with every student discipled in the Gospel of Christ

  • Sustainable operations through agriculture, animal husbandry, fish farming, a cafeteria, bookstore, and other locally driven initiatives.

Your prayers and support help bring hope where it’s needed most.

Partnerships and Progress

UBECA operates through collaboration with:

  • CECA 20 (Church of Christ in Congo)

  • Batissons l’Espoir (BE)—our registered partner in DRC

  • Local and national government officials, who have secured legal land rights for UBECA's development

UBECA has already received temporary accreditation!

They are actively working to meet the Ministry of Education’s requirements for permanent status. Continued construction and resourcing are essential in reaching this goal.

 
 
 
 

A Call to Prayer and Partnership

Pray for:

OUR STUDENTS AND FACULTY — that they would continue being Jesus’s witnesses to the community and region.

CONSTRUCTION of essential university facilities to move forward in God’s provision and timing.

Would you consider partnering with us?

Your involvement—whether in prayer, financial support, or advocacy—will help restore hope, train leaders, and build a future for the people of Central Africa.