Greetings and Meetings

You've just arrived in the beautiful Congo! Now that you're here, you will need to know how to present yourself to and interact with new people you will be meeting...

"Keeping up appearances..."

In general, Congolese people really value a clean and tidy appearance, especially within urban centers and when hosting guests. We might be inclined to assume that most of the population within a third world country such as the DRC wouldn't make this a priority, but we couldn't be more inaccurate! And this is just one of many examples that illustrate how vital it is to be as open minded and removed from presumptuous thought as possible.

When you're spending time in the city, it is safe to wear western style clothing and it is common to see most of your Congolese brothers and sisters wearing it as well. Most often these clothes are imported second-hand from the United States or other developed countries.

MEN 
Temperatures will be much hotter than you are used to, however it is extremely uncommon for adults to wear shorts. So, be sure to bring your pants! If you are concerned about the heat, a linen fabric will breathe easier than denim and/or some business trousers. 

Male staff, Men Can Stop Rape [MCSR], Congo

In terms of urban vs. rural dress code, do be prepared to dress a bit more casually when visiting villages. A nice t-shirt or collared polo are more appropriate than a button down business shirt. But don't forget your pants here, too! You will find that a lot of Congolese men will pair sweatpants with a nicer shirt. Within respectful limits, wear what is most comfortable!


You may want to bring a visor and/or hat for protection from the sun, as well as sunglasses! Parts of the DRC are right along the equator, a temperature and intensity we are not used to here in the United States. 

WOMEN

It is a good idea to keep the sundresses and short skirts at home, even those that are ordinarily acceptable to wear to the office here in America. Most older women will be wearing long, tailored skirts called pagne, sometimes paired with a more western-styled top or fully traditional top.

Woman selling bananas, Goma 

It is suggested that you observe a similar style of dress in urban areas, but even more importantly in rural settings. It is respectful to mirror this fashion, even if it requires you to stretch yourself and try different kinds of clothing items. Modesty is highly respected - since your desire is to build valuable relationships, it is important be respectful in this way!


You may want to bring a visor and/or hat for protection from the sun, as well as sunglasses! Parts of the DRC are right along the equator, a temperature and intensity we are not used to here in the United States. 

Be flexible.

Be considerate. 

Be respectful.

Be openminded.

Leave that sense of entitlement [we all have] at home. 

Cultural knowledge is incredibly valuable. When combined with the above, it is priceless!

"Hello..."

It's important to remember that gender roles and interaction between males and females will be different from what you are used to. In America we tend to value a sense of equality, regardless of gender. While this doesn't express itself in all situations and regions in the United States, you will find that what we Americans find to be appropriate will differ from that of the Congolese.

It is likely you will be spending some time in both urban and rural areas, so you must take note of differences between the two. Many people think of Africa and overgeneralize what the entire continent looks like - lots of dirt roads, little technology, mud huts ...you get the picture. In reality, Africa has many thriving cities with advanced technology and successful economies. It is inevitable that there will be more traditional values and understandings observed in rural areas than in urban areas.

If you are in a city... 

• Greet everyone with a handshake when entering a room
• if you are a male, it is safe to shake the hand of a female, and the reverse is true for females.
• If [hopefully when] you become close friends, the acceptable greeting will change
• a handshake, followed by a hug and three alternating kisses to the check
• for men, these "kisses" are typically just a brush to the cheek
• It is appropriate to use the French "Hello" - "Bonjour"

When you are visiting a village...

• If you are a male, it is appropriate to shake hands with the other men in the room
• in most situations a woman will greet a man by clapping the hands, sometimes accompanied by a slight bow
• if a woman approaches you for a handshake you may accept
• ***REMEMBER to mirror those around you, but be careful not to go overboard as this could be seen as disrespectful
• Females may shake hands with one another 

For travel anywhere inside of the country, it is highly suggested that you try to employ a translator. This was noted in the "Language" section of our cultural review, but a translator not only aides with understanding spoken communication - they will also help you understand nonverbal communication through body language! 

So, you've made a new friend...

Hopefully you have paid close attention to cultural details and will successfully begin to build valuable relationships in your new environment. Needless to say you will have multiple priorities while you are visiting the country that are not solely making new friends, though we do hope you consider this to be one of your most important tasks. As we have noted in prior modules - to make the most positive impact on someone's life, you must get to know who they are and build a relationship with them first!

You may not consider yourself a "businessman"/"businesswoman," in the usual sense, you are entering the Congo with an [exciting and positive] agenda and you will have work to do. That being said, you should know that work and play [business life and personal life] are not separated as they are in the United States. Americans tend to be most comfortable drawing distinct lines between the public and private realms of life. This is uncommon in the Congo and you should be prepared to make friends before you make business partners.

Mud Brick Hut, Congolese Village, Kivu Province

Visiting is very important to in the Congo. This most often will occur in the home, and you should expect very hospitable hosts regardless of wealth or status. Don't be surprised if you are offered very much from your friends who may have very little. You should be accepting and do your best not to seem visibly uncomfortable with this, as it would be considered offensive.

The following information is here to provide you with a basic idea of what things might look like during your travels, and general knowledge of what to expect when you're visiting.

In rural areas:

• housing is typically a one-room hut built of mud bricks
• people live in village communities 
• no access to electricity
• water needed for washing and cooking is collected from nearby streams or wells
• water can be filled with bacteria and disease, an issue known to many developing countries in the world
• often it is the women and children who retrieve the water for the family, sometimes walking miles both ways

In urban areas: 

• many buildings were constructed during the colonial era, and are often in a great deal of disrepair
• sometimes up to three generations of a family will live in one dwelling
• almost all neighborhoods have electricity, but be prepared for unexpected blackouts 

In refugee camps: 

• some will look similar to villages, but with huts incredibly close
• A woman shows the UK Telegraph what life is like in a refugee camp
• sometimes the United Nations or other international aid groups allowed in the DRC will provide tents, and you can expect the situation to consist of similarly close quarters with very little living space or provisions for families 

UN Refugee Camp "Mugungu 2," Goma 

You will likely be making connections with individuals that come from each of these areas. Be prepared for anything, and most importantly be flexible with the conditions you face. Take this opportunity to see the world differently and focus on the people you are with, not the circumstances around you. 

About visits...

1. While you are still developing your friendship, be sure that plans to visit have been made ahead of time. 
• do not drop by unannounced - this is reserved for very close friends and family
• sometimes it is customary in America to bring a gift when you are invited over for the first time - as a first-time visitor in the congo you should not do this
• HOWEVER, after you have built rapport with your new friends, it will be acceptable to bring a small gift of a food item or item for display in the home
2. When you arrive, do not enter the home until you are invited in. 
3. Ask before taking a seat.
• it is likely that your host will offer you a seat almost immediately upon entering the home 
• if there is not a seat readily available, they will make one for you! 
4. In most cases children are not present during adult social time in urban areas, however it is more likely to be the exception rather than the rule in rural villages. 
5. During a visit it is common to share a meal.

Sharing a meal...

** Remember ** 

Leave you entitlement at the door. This is a situation where it is absolutely crucial to be considerate of your new friend [host] and be open minded about the meal they are offering you. This is a developing country and most of the population survives on very little wealth, so it is an honor and privilege that you have been invited to share a meal with them. Be willing to try new things and you will be received very well! 

1. When should you expect a meal? 
• a light breakfast is eaten in the morning
• the largest meal of the day is typically eaten in the late afternoon or early evening
• if the family readily has access to food, there is a light snack eaten later on at night
2. If you are not hungry, you should still attempt to eat the food out of consideration for the time and effort taken to prepare it for you. 
3. Be careful how you eat - the Congolese will be watching to judge your sincerity and appreciation
• if you think you cannot eat a lot, try to take just a little more than you are comfortable with eating
• if you are offered food, show some reluctance at first - this is considered respectful - but ultimately you should accept what you are given! 
4. Remember the gender roles that were addressed earlier? You will see these displayed when sharing a meal, as men and women use separate communal bowls
• observe what your Congolese friends are doing and mirror this behavior, that is the safest way to be respectful if you cannot remember what is and isn't appropriate! 
5. Most of the population will eat their meal with the fingers of their right hand, unless you are dining in an urban area with a new friend from a wealthier background
• as noted before, this is one of those times where you MUST NOT use your left hand
• if you are eating with utensils...
• the right hand holds the knife
• the left hand holds the fork
6. Your hosts will wash their hands both before and after the meal - be sure to follow their example! 
7. Meat is a rare dish for most households and as part of a high regard for the elderly, they are the ones who will distribute the meat. 
• you may find yourself inclined to help distribute dishes, but be sure not to do so in such a case as this! 

The Congolese Diet...

• fufu - made with yams/plantain and is similar to mashed potatoes in consistency; it is often eaten with sauce
• fish - eaten in three different ways: salted, smoked, or dried
• plantain - green banana 
• beans
• corn
• vegetables 
• rice
• fruit 

Most of their shopping is done in open-air markets and you will not see supermarkets as we have in the United States.

Conclusions

Congo Basin, Aerial View

It is our sincerest hope that the cultural details provided here will be an asset to you and facilitate greater success in all of your endeavors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are thrilled that you have chosen to stand up and give a voice to the people of the Congo and wish you all the best.

Philanthropist and founder of A Thousand Sisters, Lisa Shannon
with sponsored women in the DRC

Remember: 

• It would be impossible for you to hold all of the knowledge necessary for every unique situation you may encounter during your journey. In the case that you find yourself unsure, remember to practice humility. This will be your most valuable asset and will express your respect for the values and beliefs of those around you. 
• Be prepared for the unexpected - there have been many lingering conflicts in this country that have left its people in brokenness and pain. You are entering the DRC to provide assistance and ultimately hope for these same people: it is okay to walk through their hurts with them, and this can only help to motivate your already budding desire and passion to help them. 
• We encourage you to be mindful of attachments in your relationships, as well as to pay attention to your emotions. If you arrive at a place where you cannot maintain strength around your new friends, remove yourself and take the time you need to re-cooperate. 
• And don't be surprised if you grow to love a country that was once very "foreign" to you, in every sense of the word. 

Congo River at sunset, Mbandaka