One of the most exhilarating aspects of traveling the world is learning the life stories of new people, but the Doctors Without Borders web debut of their “Conditional Critical” videos from the Democratic Republic of Congo this week reminded me that this exhilaration is not universal, nor is it even the majority. The vast majority of the world harbors a life story marred by violence and suffering.

The greatest challenge of the social entrepreneur is how to inspire effective and long-term empathy in others and it is an on-going struggle. I want to commend the latest efforts of Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSN), a branch of Doctors Without Borders, and their production of four short web videos that highlight the struggles of the Congolese people they service in their refugee camps.

Through English text, pictures, and her native tongue, we learn the story of Francoise, a woman who was almost burned alive in her home. She was only able to escape with one of her two sons, who later died in the hospital. Next, we speak with Mishoka, whose brother was beaten with metal bars and then buried alive. We learn of the children who were forced to kill others at the behest of their captors. Now in the refugee camps, they draw pictures as a form of therapy to let go of their horrible experiences.

I don’t give a damn if it’s the holiday season, we need to hear these stories. There is no such thing as the “season of giving” to me. You can’t have seasonal morals so let’s just put Charlie Brown Christmas back on the shelf for once and have a look at these videos. It the last installment in Doctors Without Borders/Medecins San Frontieres Critical Condition year long Congo eyewitness project and it deserves your complete attention.

Medecins San Frontieres is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides emergency medical assistance to populations in danger in more than 70 countries.

• Organization Type: Non-Profit
• Website: http://www.msf.org/
• Founder(s): Bernard Kouchner
• Founded: 1971
• Location: International
• See complete company list here

Contributor Profile: Ashley

Ashley is a friend of anyone who is fighting the good fight for social change. She currently resides in Bilbao, Spain where she is teaching English and researching the history of the Basque conflict. Personal blog
Twitter: @socialearth

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