From Refugee Camp to Master's Degree: Alenga's Inspirational Journey

Doing Business with a Servant's Heart

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The podcast episode from "Doing Business with a Servant's Heart" introduces an inspiring story of Alenga Alokola, who journeyed from the Congo to America under extraordinary circumstances. The episode, Hosted by Steve, details Alenga's incredible life story and aspirations to give back to the community.
### Key Points:
1. **Background and Refugee Experience:**
- Alenga hails from the Congo and spent over 20 years in a refugee camp in Tanzania. He described the camp as akin to a prison where moving freely was restricted, and necessities like water and education were hard to come by.
2. **Resettlement in the USA:**
- His family was among the few the U.S. government chose to resettle in America. They were relocated to Arizona, where Aen started working in manufacturing jobs while seeking education opportunities.
3. **Connection with Refugee Support Organizations:**
- Alenga initially received support from the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Later, he connected with the Welcome to America Project through a chance discovery on his phone, which led him to start volunteering and helping other refugees.
4. **Advocacy and Volunteer Work:**
- Motivated by his own experiences, Alenga began assisting refugees by identifying their needs, connecting them with resources, and helping them integrate into American society. He emphasized the importance of asking what refugees need rather than assuming.
5. **Educational Achievements:**
- Despite his challenging background, Alenga pursued higher education with determination. He recently earned a master’s degree in Global Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management, specializing in Global Affairs.
6. **Establishing a Nonprofit:**
- Alenga founded a nonprofit organization named Manga Pendo, which means "Light of Love." His nonprofit's mission is to educate and empower refugees and disadvantaged individuals, aiming to transform chaos into beauty for a better world.
7. **Support and Donations:**
- Alenga highlights his nonprofit's need for skills, resources, infrastructure, and financial support. He encourages listeners to volunteer, donate, or show care towards refugees.
### Conclusion:
The episode concludes with a hopeful and empowering message. Alenga's story is a testament to resilience and altruism, showcasing how someone can rise above dire circumstances and work tirelessly to uplift others. Steve invites the audience to support Alenga's nonprofit and help make a significant impact on the lives of refugees.
https:/mwangazaupendo.org

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