ASAM, an association dedicated to the empowerment of handicapped people in Congo. ASAM was founded by Therese Mabulaya, who knows firsthand the struggles of people living with disabilities in Congo. A wife, mother, and career-woman, Therese found herself paralyzed in 2001. As she began to cope with her own illness she also became exposed to the struggles of handicapped people throughout Congo. She realized the intense need for employment among people with disabilities, but also the need for a sense of purpose and ability. ASAM has started a number of cooperative groups aimed at empowering handicapped people to address some of these needs. .support and assist micro, small and medium- sized enterprises in general.