Manon Rulot

About ten days ago, I arrived in Kinshasa to complete my internship in public health sciences with the ULB-Coopération team. Here is a brief overview of my first impressions, my personal goals, and my working environment in the capital of the DRC…

As soon as I arrived, I realized that I was entering a culture that was very different from my Belgian culture. Everything seems “different” to me, yet very interesting. Through the car windows, I observe city life and want to understand it, to become part of it.

Kinshasa has more than 10 million inhabitants, most of whom live in informal, temporary dwellings surrounded by huge villas protected by concrete walls and barbed wire. The very poor environment in which I find myself affects me deeply, and I aspire to contribute to improving healthcare in the country. I quickly understand some of the problems of access to healthcare, whether geographical, financial, or cultural.

My internship has been meaningful from the very beginning. Under the supervision of Dr. Serge Ngaima, I have had the opportunity to participate in a project supporting hospitals and health centers in designing and implementing quality improvement projects with the involvement of the local population.

Thanks to the team, I can participate in various field activities that allow me to learn new aspects of Congolese life every day. I am in contact with professionals who are committed and positive in their quest for health for all, everywhere.

At the same time, I am conducting research for my thesis, which examines decision-making regarding violations of women’s bodily integrity.

The warm welcome I receive from the people I meet quickly puts me at ease. Like any newcomer, I imagine, my European eyes are amazed by all the laughter, singing, and sharing. They don’t realize it, but it is by seeing and listening to these people that, little by little, I am adapting and creating a place for myself among the inhabitants of “Kin” as a “Mondele.”

I plan to make the most of my stay by combining my scientific research and my internship in public health sciences with my desire for cultural discovery. I am also looking forward to exploring the different neighborhoods of this gigantic city of Kinshasa!

The projects