Upon returning to the Bana Mayele center in Kinshasa, the significant progress was evident compared to our first visit in 2021 when all this was just a dream. In 2022 the construction work was well on its way, the classrooms were just barely furnished and the preparations for our 2023 plans were underway. With the help of SNI and private donors from the Kinshasa community, excellent progress was accomplished:
- The volunteers’ quarters are now fully equipped to comfortably house up to 10 guests.
- The children’s dormitories are furnished with beds, mattresses, and other essentials, operating at 30% capacity, with over 60 children residing fulltime and approximately 100 more coming daily from the neighboring Kimbondo orphanage to participate in kindergarten and extracurricular primary school courses held in the classrooms.
- The sports court at the center facilitates daily activities such as football, basketball, volleyball, and other games.
During the two-week visit to Congo, the main objective was to provide medical and hygienic services and counsel to the children and childcare personnel in a temporary clinic. The clinic, staffed by two doctors and supporting personnel, proved beneficial as lines of children waited daily for much-needed assistance. The medical camp’s success was evident, with over 250 patients treated, the doctors dedicated nearly 300 hours of professional service free of charge. Both doctors expressed their willingness to participate in future initiatives and explore their social connections to recruit more volunteers for this cause.
With the support of Madlen, the director of the Bana Mayele Orphanage, progress towards our long-term goal of providing quality education to the orphaned children and fostering their potential within the local community, was ahead of schedule.
A meeting with SNI board members was held to report on the progress and strategize the next stages of the project. An agreement was reached with the Bana Mayele team to continue our collaboration for the next 12 months.
During our time with the orphans, we engaged in a variety of fun and interactive activities that brought joy and laughter to everyone involved. We played sports together, fostering teamwork and healthy competition on the field. Additionally, we created colorful and sparkly memories by doing arts and crafts and glitter tattoos, creating a sense of wonder and excitement. The love for learning was nurtured as we shared captivating stories during reading sessions, inspiring their imaginations to soar. One of the highlights was our thrilling safari trip, where we explored the wonders of nature and marveled at wildlife in their natural habitat. Our days were filled with music and dance, where the rhythm of laughter echoed throughout the space. And to culminate our time together, we gathered around to share a heartwarming meal, fostering a sense of togetherness and creating cherished memories that will remain with us forever.
As the visit came to an end, a strong sense of camaraderie with the team that had formed during this period was evident, and there was eager anticipation for future opportunities to collaborate again in Kinshasa.