ABOUT US
About Our Founder
Salemu Derick Alimasi
Salemu Derick Alimasi was born in the early 1990s in Uvira, a town nestled in a verdant valley near the sparkling waters of Lake Tanganyika, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The fourth of twelve children, and his early years were filled with simple joys, playing hide and seek or soccer with balls made from bundles of plastic bags. His family's life revolved around their small cooperative managed by his father and his grandfather's farm, where rice was grown, and cattle were raised. Grilled cassava (Makopa) was a favorite treat for Salemu and his siblings.
At just six years old, Salemu's life took a dramatic turn when violence forced his family to flee their home in Uvira.
They embarked on a perilous journey, walking for days until they reached Makobola. It was there that Salemu witnessed a horrifying massacre, where soldiers trapped people inside a house and set it on fire, disregarding their cries for help. Terrified and separated from his family in the chaos, Salemu eventually crossed into Tanzania and was led to Nyarugusu Refugee Camp. Despite enduring a youth marked by family separation, fear, and violence, Salemu found solace in worshiping and praising God. His faith sustained him through the darkest of times. Eventually, Salemu's life took a positive turn when he met Nancy Mokanse Alimasi. They married and were blessed with three beautiful children: Adonaiyah Ngalolera Alimasi, Emmanuel Lebukse Alimasi, and Audrey_EL Veronique Alimasi.
Salemu had experienced more hardship than most people do in a lifetime. However, his resilience and determination remained unwavering. He secured a job as a caseworker for the USCCB affiliate that had resettled his family, drawing upon his own experiences as a refugee to provide empathetic and effective support to new arrivals.
Salemu's commitment to improving the lives of refugees and immigrants led him to found the CO-AFRO Community Center, dedicated to fostering integration and success within the Congolese and African communities in the United States. His journey from refugee to grassroots community organizer with CWS is a testament to the strength and beauty of unity within diversity. Through the CO-AFRO Community Center, Salemu continues to advocate for and support his community, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their contributions recognized. Life us a journey and story continue.
Educational Support: 2019
Assisted students from various schools and encouraged parental involvement in their children's education.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, CO-AFRO engaged up to 25 children with school activities until schools resumed and helped re-enroll more than 75 students back into their educational institutions.
US Census 2020
Provided interpretation services to community members, aiding in the enrollment of over 30 families and accounting for up to 75 individuals.
Connected many community members to essential resources and services.
Accomplishments
Since our inception, we have achieved numerous milestones in community work and support:
Advocacy
Salemu has been actively involved in advocacy for the refugee and immigrant population, drawing from his own experiences of forced displacement. He organizes the community to build collective power and advocate for significant change. Through his efforts, Salemu empowers others to have a voice and work towards meaningful improvements in their lives and communities.
Meet the Team
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Why It Matters:
As community members who understand the cultures and languages of our people, we are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between parents, students, and schools. By doing so, we help create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment where every student can thrive.
