Refugee communities often encounter a number of barriers when attempting to establish relationships with law enforcement agencies, resulting in many feeling unsafe. Laira T Batundi can relate—having immigrated to the United States from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo), a country in Central Africa. That’s why he’s fiercely committed to bridging those divides through his nonprofit organization, Bushenge Hunde USA-Canada (Bushenge).
The English translation of the Kihunde word, Bushenge, means “place of gathering.” Spoken in Nork Kivu province in eastern Congo, Kihunde is Batundi’s native language. The term is representative of his mission to support the cultural integration of refugees, primarily from the Congo, to the United States and Canada.
“Refugee communities across the country can be deeply impacted by extreme or deadly police use of force, a problem that stems from a lack of understanding between different languages and cultures,” said Batundi.
The misinterpretations that emerge during interactions between refugees and law enforcement, Batundi explained, can escalate into violence. That is why he launched his organization to help bridge gaps and build trust and understanding between both groups.
Bushenge, launched in 2022, provides immersive trainings and opportunities for members of the local refugee community and law enforcement workers to become enlightened and grow with one another. Through these community engagement trainings and partnerships, both parties learn about escalation and de-escalation tactics to ensure safer interactions and experiences.
“My goal is to provide refugee communities with the opportunities and resources they need to achieve the ‘American Dream’ by enhancing their self-sufficiency and well-being,” said Batundi. “I want to make sure they have everything they need to feel safe in their own homes and communities.”
With the hope of expanding the organization’s reach and impact beyond just the Congolese community, Batundi welcomed the opportunity to participate in our professional development program, The Leadership Classroom (TLC).
TLC is a program for residents or grassroots groups that want to be active in improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Through intensive and interactive training sessions with other resident leaders, TLC teaches the practical skills that help make stronger, more effective neighborhood and grassroots leaders.
Throughout the program’s eight monthly meetings, Bushenge established a board of directors and developed an in-depth manual to use for its future Police Use-of-Force Continuum trainings. Its upcoming session, hosted in partnership with local law enforcement, InterFaith Works of CNY and the Northside Learning Center, will gather more than 200 participants from the Congolese and refugee community. Attendees learn about their legal rights and have the opportunity to ask questions and develop connections.
Batundi credits the assistance he received in building a strong, sustainable training manual with giving him the confidence to take Bushenge to the next level.
“Participating in TLC was not only fun, but also crucial for the growth of my organization,” he said. “Each class offered fresh insights and valuable resources. All of the facilitators were wonderful, from teaching us best practice and techniques for how to access and apply for grants to helping us develop our human resources skills.”
Upon graduation from the TLC 2023-2024 class, Bushenge-Hunde USA Canada received a TLC grant totaling $5,000 for its Use of force continuum workshop, a projector and a website. The funding will help the organization increase its visibility and impact within the community.
Batundi explained he now “feels equipped with the necessary knowledge to sustain and grow my organization to create a safe future for all.”
