Mpabanzi Jean de Dieu
From: Goma, DRC

My name is Mpabanzi Jean de Dieu. I was born in the Rutshuru area in a small village called Rubare. The village gradually is beginning to become a known city due to a history of wars, murders, and kidnappings. The village sits by a small green lake called Kirwa, a lake as narrated by the elders of the village. Today, I live in Goma where I completed all my studies of which I completed my primary education certificate in 2010 and in 2016, I completed my D6 diploma in general teaching.

I am Congolese, and also single. I’ve lived with my older brothers since earning my D6 diploma, but did not have the opportunity to continue my higher education due to finances. Despite this issue, I did not sit idly with crossed arms and pursued trainings as a painter, designer, screen printer, plastic artist, logo designer, percussionist, and singer. My greatest joy has been with Lens on Life/Camme RDC provided me with the desire to become a good photographer. This is why I have real recognition for Lens on Life/Camme RDC when expressing my thanks. I study hard and I hope to attend with the goal of becoming a quality photographer like my teacher Michelle Lunanga and being useful to my community. Art is my passion and my life. I wholeheartedly love it and consider the art of photography one that impacts human life.