Congo Partnership

By David Ryan

The Congo Partnership is pleased to announce the successful installation of much needed electricity at the Mbudi Technical School, located in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Electricity for the school was part of the 2010 Project List of the partnership. 

The Mbudi Technical School educates about 300 students including Kindergarten, primary, middle school and technical High School. Because space is limited in this United Methodist school, the buildings are used in two shifts, with morning classes for younger students and afternoon classes for older students. The technical school is for students ages 15-18 and teaches courses for electrical training, auto mechanics, Primary teachers, Seamstresses and business/commercial training.  The cost per student is $156 for the year.

Imagine trying to teach students electrical work without electricity! 

Students had to learn classroom theory, and then, when it was possible, go to the local power generation station to get some “hands-on” experience.  Sewing has not yet been offered at the school, because of the lack of funding for machines and electricity. While the school was equipped with a computer, there was no electricity to power it. 

With funding from the Congo Partnership, a permit was obtained from the government( $250), an electrician was hired to do the installation ( $250) and wiring and other materials ( $1,017) were purchased. Monthly costs for electricity are surprisingly low, and with this initial investment, the school can cover the monthly costs. The end result is that the principal, Jacques Diowo Kinemon and the faculty and students of the Mbudi Technical School are rejoicing because they finally have electric at their school! With better training, students can earn better salaries, provide for their families, have better health care and have their daily needs met.

Even with this advancement, needs continue. The next step is to build two latrines ( one for boys, one for girls) at a cost of about $500. Current sanitary facilities are dirt holes. Water must also be brought to the campus at a cost of about $1,000. Other parts of the project will include upgrading the Electrical Training Program ( $5,500), the Automotive Program  ( $6,000) and the Business and Commercial Program ( $12,100). These projects await funding.

Opportunities for individuals to go and be in a short term mission abound!

Do you have electrical training/professional experience? Consider a two week trip to work the instructors at the school. Are you a auto/truck mechanic? Work can be done in training an helping students understand the business of running a garage. Are you a teacher? You could spend two weeks helping with curriculum development. Are you a tailor or seamstress? Help is needed working with patterns and repeatable “ready to wear” clothing. Mission trips must be self supported at a cost of about $3,000-$4,000.  If interested in serving in any of these areas, please be in contact with the Congo Partnership through the EPA Chair, David T. Ryan (pastordavidtryan@yahoo.com).  Many thanks to churches and individuals who gave to the Congo Partnership in 2010! Because of faithful giving, this project and significant others have been accomplished.