[Page under construction]
“Empower Lives, Ignite Hope: Together, We Make Change.”
We are a group of MINDFUL LEADERS (warriors) committed to use our uniqueness and togetherness to make the world around us a better place!
Below you can see details of our team, story, non-profit organisation we have created, projects and more.
We need you!
Right now we are concentrating on our Christmas project to ensure that the most vulnerable will have what they need.
We need your support, please visit the following fundraising pages
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mindful-leaders-congo?utm_term=5JV8gvA2w
Meet the team
Our Founder:
“Meet Dome One Dunia Saidi, our Visionary Leader leader
Dome One Dunia Saidi, a mindful leader and pioneer, is at the heart of our organisation’s journey. In 2021, he brought the transformative Mindfulness program from Kenya to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a pivotal moment in our history. This decision was rooted in a deep commitment to mindfulness and its potential to create positive change.
But the story of Dome One Dunia Saidi’s leadership goes back to their early days in Kenya. After undergoing a profound transformation through rigorous training in the Mindfulness Leader Program, Dome One Dunia Saidi chose to return to their homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo, in late 2018. This commitment laid the foundation for the organisation we are today, guided by the principles of mindfulness and dedicated to making a difference.
Our Team:
“Dedicated to Making a Difference”
In the quest to intervene and provide support to vulnerable populations, we have meticulously assembled a team of compassionate and committed individuals. These individuals, often referred to as the “Mindful Warriors Family,” are driven by the shared goal of bringing solace and positive change to those facing adversity.
Among the executive members of the Mindful Warriors Family, we find Dunia Saidi, who serves as the chairman of the group, providing invaluable leadership and guidance. Alongside Dome One Dunia Saidi is our vice-chairman, whose dedication and commitment mirror our organisation’s unwavering spirit.
The second team comprises individuals with distinct roles, each contributing to our mission’s success. On the left, you will find Patrick Shabani, our esteemed Chief of Professional Training, who plays a pivotal role in equipping our team to deliver support effectively. Shimimana David, as the Director of Mindful Warriors in movies and comedies, brings a unique dimension to our work. You can watch the impactful video titled “Sexe de Survie” on YouTube or Vidmate, where you’ll witness the enduring spirit of hope and resilience that defines our mission.
- Buchunde Mulashi Francine
(Vice chairwoman of Mindfulness and Resilience Support programme in DR.congo)
- Raphael Lukimba Milondo
(Treasurer of Mindfulness and Resilience)
- Sifa Bagalwa
(Vice Treasurer of Mindfulness and Resilience Support programme)
- Christoph Patrick
(Secretary of Mindfulness and Resilience Programme)
- Dogu Esperance
(Vice secretary)
- Agano Bigaruka Ernest
(Senior adviser)
- Mukeso Chibambo Domitila
(Vice advisor)
- Shimimana David
(Director of all artists of Mindfulness and Resilience programme)
- Narlos Mupenzi
(Vice Director of all Mindfulness and Resilience Programme Artists)
- Amina Tumusifu
(Chairwomen of all Mindful warriors members ladies-mother in “La main de Dieu”displaced camp)
- Iyamuremye Sebiteke Isac
(Senior mobilizer Of Mindfulness and Resilience Programme in la main de Dieu displaced camp)
- Sebisaho Innocent
(Vice Mobilizer)
- Dunia Rwangiza Jules
(Organiser of all activities of Mindfulness and Resilience programme in ” la main de Dieu “displaced camp)
- Dieu Merci Kwete Christian
(Vice organiser of all activities of the Mindfulness and Resilience programme in the camp)
Our History:
“A Journey of Transformation: The Birth of Our Mindfulness Program”
(PUT A PICTURE WITH INMA)
The roots of our organisation trace back to an inspiring chapter in the field of mindfulness. In 2015, Dr. Inmaculada Adarves Yorno and her collaborator, Michel Mahdon, introduced the Mindfulness program at Naivasha Maximum Security prison through the African Prison Project (APP). This marked the inception of the transformative journey that would later extend its reach to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The impact of the program has been profound. Over the course of just two years, it brought about a remarkable transformation. Inmates and prison warders alike shed their negative thoughts and aggressive behaviours, replacing them with positivity and mutual respect. The prison officers and prisoners, once adversaries, evolved into friends and brothers, changing not only their behaviours but even the way they referred to each other, now addressing each other as teachers and students rather than officers and prisoners. This ongoing revolution represents a beacon of hope in Kenya’s prisons, a testament to the enduring power of the Mindfulness program.
“A Vision Born from Adversity: Expanding to DR Congo”
When Dome One Dunia Saidi returned home to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a compelling vision took root. The idea to introduce the Mindfulness program in DR Congo began to take shape, reflecting a deep commitment to bringing the transformative power of mindfulness to their own country.
In 2021, a pivotal moment arrived when the Nyiragongo Volcano erupted, unleashing a devastating disaster that left thousands of homes in ruins. The victims of this catastrophe were not only left traumatised and confused but also faced the harsh reality of homelessness and uncertainty. In the midst of this profound crisis, Dome One Dunia Saidi responded with unwavering determination and compassion.
Recognizing the urgent need for healing and support, they initiated the Mindfulness program to provide solace and resilience to those affected by the eruption. This marked a significant turning point in our organisation’s journey, as we extended our mission to address the pressing needs of disaster victims and those in dire circumstances.
The eruption of the Nyiragongo Volcano became the catalyst for our organisation’s work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, embodying our commitment to respond to adversity with hope, healing, and transformation. It exemplifies our mission to make a positive impact, especially in the most challenging of circumstances
“Amidst Conflict, Expanding the Reach of Mindfulness”
The year 2022 brought new challenges to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo with the outbreak of the M23 war. This conflict forced countless individuals to flee their villages and homes, leaving them displaced and in search of safety and refuge.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Dome One Dunia Saidi, guided by their unwavering commitment to making a difference, accelerated the Mindfulness program. Recognizing the urgent need for solace and healing in the face of conflict, the program’s reach extended to those who had become refugees and displaced individuals as a result of the M23 war.
The challenges faced by refugees and displaced individuals living in camps are deeply distressing, marked by a striking disparity between the conditions they once knew in their villages and home regions and the harsh realities of their present circumstances. The individuals displaced by war were compelled to leave nearly every aspect of their previous lives behind as they fled.
The life that awaits them in the displaced camps is a stark departure from their familiar surroundings, defined by extreme hardships. The basic necessities that many of us take for granted—shelter, food, and medical care—are often scarce, and the contrast between their previous existence and the conditions in the camps serves as a poignant testament to the profound losses they’ve endured. Desperate circumstances led some to resort to survival sex, drug abuse, prostitution, robberies, and theft, actions that starkly reflected the extremity of their situation.
In recognition of the immense difficulties faced by these displaced individuals, our organisation remains unwavering in its dedication to provide support and solace. We understand that the journey to healing and recovery is a complex and arduous one. Yet, we are driven by the belief that, even in the face of such adversity, positive change is attainable.
The impact of displacement extends to all members of the affected communities, including the elderly, like those we’ve encountered in the camps. These individuals, who once tilled their own lands and cultivated crops to sustain their lives, as well as those of their children and grandchildren, now find themselves in a state of vulnerability. There’s a daily struggle for the most basic necessities – food, medical care, and shelter.
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
In the heart of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our non-profit organisation- Mindfulness and resilience support programme/ DR.Congo is dedicated to making a positive impact in the northern region of Kivu. Specifically, we focus our efforts in the Nyiragongo territory, nestled within the Murambi groupement. Our work extends to the beautiful Munigi village, where we are committed to creating lasting change.
Team’s Vision:
Our team’s vision is rooted in the belief that through education, support, and advocacy, we can break the cycle of vulnerability and pave the way for a more secure and hopeful world. At the core of our team’s vision lies the wisdom of a timeless adage: With the philosophy,
“If you give me a fish, I will eat for a day, but if you train me to catch a fish, I will never get hungry”
Our mission embodies this principle as we focus on three key areas:
- Assisting Psychologically Vulnerable and
Displaced Individuals:
Our aim is not just to offer immediate relief
but to empower them through various means,
including support in small income-generating
activities, enabling self-sufficiency and resilience.
- Making Advocacy for Vulnerable People:
We are advocates for the vulnerable, working tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard and their rights protected. Our commitment to social justice drives our advocacy efforts.
- Facilitating Vocational Training:
We understand that one of the most potent tools for long-term change is the acquisition of skills. That’s why we are dedicated to facilitating vocational training for vulnerable and displaced individuals, empowering them with the means to build a brighter future.
Our Initiatives:
“Making an Impact: Our Activities and Achievements Since 2022”
Since 2022, the Mindful Warriors Family has been actively engaged in a range of initiatives aimed at making a positive impact in the community. Our efforts are well-documented through photos and videos available on our website, Instagram, email, TikTok, Facebook, and Telegram. If you search for “Mindful Warriors Congo” or “Resilience Project in Congo,” you can find a wealth of content showcasing our work.
Some of our key initiatives include:
- Hairdressing Training for Men in “La Main de Dieu Refugees Camp”:
The success of our hairdressing training program is not just about acquiring skills; it’s about addressing the profound psychological and economic needs of those displaced by war. “La Main De Dieu refugee camp,” nestled in Murambi groupment, Munigi village in Nyiragongo territory, has become a sanctuary for people who have endured traumatic events. They have witnessed violence, experienced loss, and, in many cases, left behind almost everything during their escape from the horrors of the M23 war.
In a powerful testament to the transformative potential of our initiatives, we take great pride in the four young Mindful Warriors refugees who have completed their hairdressing training. These individuals now run their small saloon, shaving and cutting hair for their fellow residents.
Their journey was made possible through a generous grant of $624 provided by the University of Exeter in the UK. This support not only equipped them with essential skills but also provided a means of self-sufficiency in the hosted area and, importantly, when they return to their original communities. The economic independence gained through this training reduces their vulnerability and minimises the need to resort to joining any militant groups for survival.
- Surveys, Sensitizations, and Health Reproduction Sessions:
We’ve conducted surveys and hosted sensitization sessions in “La Main de Dieu,” “Kanyaruchinya,” and “Kahembe Refugees Camps.” These sessions cover critical topics such as health reproduction, family planning, and strategies for managing and dealing with emotions, stress, and anxiety. We offer support to various groups, including displaced elderly individuals, young mothers, ladies, victims of assault, and pregnant women.
Moreover, we extend our care to children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and young ladies-mothers by demonstrating how to prepare healthy sweet porridge, a small act that brings joy and nourishment.
Following these sessions, we also provide baby diapers and baby clothes, offering practical support to those in need.
- Empowering Women and Young Mothers: Resilience and Planning Sessions:
During these sessions, our commitment to the well-being of women and young mothers took on a profound significance. We had the privilege of working with 36 women refugees who are integral members of the Mindful Warriors Family. These sessions were designed to empower and uplift these remarkable individuals.
Among the participants, we identified four women who had experienced unspeakable trauma, having been victims of violence at the hands of militants. Their stories are heart-wrenching, yet their resilience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. The University of Exeter generously provided us with a grant of $624, which we used to support these women in a tangible way. We offered each of them $25 from this fund, recognizing that every small step toward healing and recovery matters. Furthermore, we made a promise to these women that extends far beyond financial support. We pledged to stand by them as they navigate their grief and recovery journeys.
Justin’s Story: A Journey of Resilience
One of our remarkable trainees is Kiranguva Sekabose Justin, a highly qualified young Mindful Warriors refugee.
His life’s journey has been marked by hardship, as he is an orphan. His father tragically took his own life following the death of their mother during the M23 war in Rutshuru. Their mother was a victim of a brutal assault by an unknown group of militants.
Before engaging in our Mindful and Resilience sessions, Justin’s spirit was burdened with anger, hunger for justice, and a desire for revenge. However, through these transformative sessions, he has found a path towards simplicity and forgiveness.
Justin now extends his talents to the community as a skilled hairdresser. He is not only capable of shaving anyone, anywhere, at any time, but he also embodies resilience, embodying the power of healing and transformation.
Justin’s story and the success of our training program are testaments to the impact of our work in empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities with hope, dignity, and skills.