Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelyn Kessler

Hi Evelyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My journey to launching International Child Advancement, Inc. began with a deep-rooted connection to my family’s home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A country that has faced decades of instability, including two Congo Wars, known as the “African World War.” These wars have devastated children’s lives in eastern Congo, exposing them to extreme violence, displacement, loss of family, forced conscription as child soldiers, and severe disruptions to their education and healthcare.

Although my immediate family was fortunate to escape the turmoil, many Congolese were not as fortunate, including millions of children orphaned because of the war. Recognizing and appreciating how blessed I was to get out of the DRC before the violence escalated, I sensed a strong calling to support children who weren’t as fortunate.

In 2016, I founded International Child Advancement (ICA), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering orphans, refugee, and underserved children to become self-sufficient through education, vocational training, and mentorship.

Starting ICA was not easy, as I balanced a full-time career in banking while nurturing the organization from the ground up. But my passion for helping vulnerable children, my faith, and an incredible support system pushed me forward. Today, we help over 300 children annually, providing them with educational support and life-changing opportunities. This mission is not just about the children—it’s about inspiring others to see how investing in youth uplifts communities and transforms lives.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Building ICA has been a journey filled with challenges, especially as we work to meet the urgent needs of orphans in the DRC. The children we support at GUAOA Orphanage face unimaginable hardships; they live in a war-stricken region thus are often exposed to violence resulting in trauma and PTSD, they have limited access to education (K-12 education is fee-based despite ongoing efforts to make it free) and lack sufficient healthcare and basic resources—making daily survival an uphill battle. Our goal to provide food, housing, tuition, school supplies, and vocational training for 120 orphans has required unwavering dedication, resilience, and resourcefulness.

A major part of our mission is also raising awareness. Every child, regardless of where they’re born and live, deserves their basic human rights. Yet, gaining funding for children overseas remains challenging, as many prefer to focus on helping the youth we support locally here in the U.S. While our work is celebrated, we’re constantly working to bridge the understanding that children in the DRC are just as deserving of support, safety, and hope for a better future.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

Our mission is to empower orphans and underprivileged children to become self-sufficient through education, vocational training and mentoring.

In Buffalo, we support refugee, immigrant, and underserved children with scholarships opening doors to quality education, empowering them to pursue their academic goals, and reduce financial burdens on their families; we provide backpacks, and school supplies ensuring they have the necessary tools to succeed academically; and transformative sessions in financial, cultural, and career development—giving them the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in life.

In the DRC, we empower 120 children cared for by GUAOA orphanage by providing them with food helping to address food insecurity, shelter and protection by establishing a safe home or foster care networks with supervised living environments, funding for equitable K-12 and university education, uniforms and school supplies, and career development support. By lifting them out of poverty, equipping them with education and critical life skills, we’re reducing their dependence on potentially harmful relationships, making them less vulnerable to exploitation and creating future leaders who will help rebuild and uplift their communities.

I’m extremely grateful and proud of what we have accomplished thus far together with our supporters, including but not limited to purchasing a small building in Goma, DRC, providing housing to ~45 orphans (75 orphans have been placed in foster homes), space for vocational training, and activities; we serve 100 warm meals per month thanks to our partner Food For Orphans; nine (9) orphans have graduated from high school, and two have completed university.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?

In my philanthropic work, success means achieving tangible outcomes that positively impact the lives of orphans and underserved children. It’s about creating safe, nurturing environments, providing access to education and personal development, and empowering children to break the cycle of poverty. Success also includes fostering resilience and independence, creating a ripple effect of positive change within their communities.

My vision of success is rooted in compassion, empowerment, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Ultimately, creating a ripple effect of change—one child at a time.

I would like to share one of ICA’s success stories, demonstrating how we’re making a difference. <Please include here image of Aline>

Pricing:

• Education sponsorship (K-6): $240/year
• Education sponsorship (7-12): $270/year
• Education sponsorship (university): $750/year

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.childadvancement.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intlchildadvancement/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.chiladvancement.org
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFyJMNs7eBptsn28G6-5NnQ

Image Credits

Blanc Photographie: Evelyn’s headshot

GUAOA Orphanage images: Mealtime photo, Image of children with backpacks should go where we mention school supplies and backpacks (GUAOA Orphanage), students in classroom and front of orphanage, outside of orphanage, image of the building should go where I mention the building purchase.

Evelyn Kessler’s image: Career development session with youth in Buffalo, NY