DR Congo: From Faith to Action: Swana Makanda’s Journey of Transformation in Fungurume
By Tatiana Ballay, Communications Officer
In the mining town of Fungurume, nestled in the cobalt-rich Lualaba Province of southeastern DRC, 55-year-old Swana Makanda Kelly stands out as a pillar of hope and resilience in his community of Dipeta. Despite the wealth of the region’s natural resources, everyday life here is marked by scarcity, unreliable electricity, broken water sources, and rising insecurity. Yet, Dipeta also thrives on mutual aid and peaceful coexistence.
“Here, even if you come from far away, you’ll find your place. People get along; we live together despite our differences ”, says Swana Makanda Kelly
Swana, a father of eight and guardian to four dependents, lives with his wife, Madame Mado. A man of integrity and deep compassion, he has long been driven by a desire to serve others, especially the vulnerable. Though he studied law, financial constraints cut his academic journey short. Undeterred, he dedicated himself to voluntary paralegal work through the local NGO IGDFT.
“Serving others without expecting anything in return has become my life’s mission. Defending people gives me the strength to move forward”, added Swana Makanda Kelly
A Transformative Encounter
In 2020, Swana participated in World Vision’s Empowered World View (EWV) training, a turning point that reshaped his mindset and future. The training emphasized faith, personal responsibility, and resourcefulness.
According to Swana Makanda Kelly, “The EWV training opened my eyes. I understood that God had already given me everything: strength, wisdom, and the ability to act.”
Inspired, Swana launched a farming initiative on one hectare of land. Over the next four years, he expanded to two hectares, using improved planning and savings strategies taught in the program. With proceeds from farming, he began investing in his long-time dream: opening a barbershop.
Building Household Resilience
Before the training, Swana’s voluntary work while fulfilling couldn’t meet his family's financial needs. Post-training, he embraced diversified income streams and long-term planning. Agriculture became a structured enterprise, and a savings culture took root at home.
His wife, once managing a modest business, joined him in this transformation. With Swana’s encouragement, she transitioned to the palm oil trade.
“We started with 30 jerrycans. It was risky, but we believed in it. Today, she sells up to 100”, explains Swana Makanda Kelly
Their shared vision and calculated risk-taking paid off. Within three years, Madame Mado’s business tripled in volume, bringing financial stability and reinforcing the power of joint family effort.
Inspiring Others Through Action
Swana’s journey didn’t stop at personal growth. Deeply convinced that change must be shared, he became a mentor and motivator in Dipeta. Through informal talks, spontaneous workshops, and field visits, he has inspired over 50 households to adopt new practices.
“I tell them: ‘Never doubt yourselves. God gave you the power to create, to love, to build. If you take part in this training, you go in knocked out and come out okay’”, says Swana Makanda Kelly
Some of his mentees have expanded their farms significantly; others have bought their first tools and seen improved yields. A culture of trust, initiative, and solidarity is spreading, thanks in part to Swana’s consistent encouragement.
Faith in Practice
For Swana, faith is more than belief; it’s action. In October 2024, he found an injured person abandoned by the roadside. He rushed them to the health center, paid initial costs, and advocated for their care. Moved by his kindness, the facility covered the remaining treatment.
“Faith isn’t just about prayer. It’s about acting, helping, and loving. God made us in His image so we could be builders,” reminds Swana Makanda Kelly.
This moment captured his quiet heroism, making a difference not for recognition, but out of conviction.
Sustaining Impact
Between 2020 and 2024, Swana’s household saw a notable transformation. His farmland doubled, and income diversification allowed him to build a sustainable livelihood. Seasonal farming and seed sales now cover nearly 60% of household expenses. He saves regularly around 50,000 FC (USD 20) per month and continues investing in the barbershop and future projects.
Together with his wife, they purchase red palm oil from Kasaï and resell it in Fungurume. This business now generates a monthly gross profit of up to USD 600. Their children have also adopted these values, showing greater responsibility in saving and planning.
Swana is currently working on opening a legal advice center to provide accessible support for residents, further extending his service to the community.
A Catalyst for Change
Swana didn’t start with grand ambitions; he simply followed his sense of justice and service. Yet, through consistency, vision, and community sharing, he has become a key actor in local development. The EWV approach provided the structure, but it was Swana’s drive that carried it forward.
“My biggest dream is to see my community rise. I want to keep supporting, advising, and building a better future with them”, dreams Swana Makanda Kelly
His story demonstrates the ripple effect of belief, planning, and empowerment. From one training to a transformed livelihood, from one household to fifty, Swana’s journey is proof that lasting change starts with one empowered individual.