Meet Joel 🇨🇩

2023 CPSAF Scholar-Athlete: U.S. Arrival at Age 13

Meet Joel, a 13-year-old talent hailing from Goma, DRC, and the youngest of nine siblings. Goma is the capital of North Kivu Province in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The recent history of Goma has been dominated by the volcano and the Rwandan genocide of 1994, which in turn fueled the First and Second Congo Wars. The aftermath of these events was still having effects on the city and its surroundings in 2010. The city was captured by rebels of the March 23 Movement during the M23 rebellion in late 2012, but it has since been retaken by government forces.

Joel's journey is inspired by his brother, an alumnus of a college prep program who now shines on the basketball court for Yale. Joel's culinary favorite, Fufu, reflects his African roots—a traditional, starchy dish akin to mashed potatoes, typically paired with soups or stews. With aspirations as lofty as his jump shot, Joel dreams of playing basketball for elite colleges like Duke, Purdue, or Kansas. Currently in the 8th grade, Joel excels in science and math, showcasing his versatile talents both on and off the court.