The Bertozzi Initiative
Our Vision.
To provide the resources necessary for impoverished children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to access education, thus providing opportunities for citizens to improve their debilitated country, and to provide the next generation with the educational tools to combat HIV/AIDS, poverty, and crime in the Congo.
Our Story.
Bertozzi Nganswe Mposo was born into the war-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1989. Before emigrating to the US in 2004, Bertozzi watched as her peers were orphaned, killed, and forced to turn to cheating, drugs, prostitution, and crime. Realizing the power conferred upon her through education, and encouraged by her father's dedication to combatting the African HIV/AIDS epidemic, Bertozzi became determined to help these victims of corruption, strife, and HIV/AIDS.
After her sudden death in November of her first year in college, friends and family decided to celebrate Bertozzi's memory by continuing her mission. We invite you to help us do the work Bertozzi was not given the chance to complete.
Bertozzi's Story.
Bertozzi Nganswe Mposo was born in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on May 21, 1989, where she lived until her family emigrated to the United States in August 2004.
As a young girl, Bertozzi began demonstrating her reliability, attentiveness, and valor in the face of chaos. At age eight, her parents sent her with her two younger brothers to Brazzaville to save them from fighting that was anticipated to erupt in Kinshasa.
Instead, the fighting erupted and continued heavily in Brazzaville, with troops killing anyone belonging to the other ethnicity. Amidst the chaos, Bertozzi managed to cook for her brothers, bathe them, clean clothes, and change her youngest brother. Read more...
About the Bertozzi Initiative.
Over 50 years of insurrection and corruption in the Congo have left children without the resources to receive an education. Instead of becoming leaders in the rebuilding of their country, they become victims of poverty and disease. Many are forced to turn to crime,drugs, and prostitution. A $150 donation provides a Bertozzi Initiative teacher who can tutor up to 30 students per day - each teacher can instruct 100 students per month. Read more...