education Archives - SNI - Sponsorship Network International

January 23, 2025January 25, 2025

Baking, Learning, and Growing: Our Inspiring Visit to the Bana Mayele Center

Nestled in the heart of Congo, the Bana Mayele Center is a place of hope, learning, and opportunity for orphans striving for a brighter future. Currently, our team of volunteers is spending precious time at this incredible center, sharing skills, joy, and meaningful experiences with the children. From vocational training to recreational activities, every moment is a testament to the transformative power of community and care.

Baking Up New Opportunities

One of the highlights of our visit is teaching the children the art of baking European bread and buns. For many, this is their first experience working with such techniques and recipes, making it an exciting and novel endeavor.

Our volunteers lead hands-on sessions where the children learn the intricacies of measuring ingredients, kneading dough, and perfecting the golden crust of freshly baked bread. The enthusiasm is infectious as the children eagerly participate, their eyes lighting up with pride as they take their creations out of the oven and proudly share them with the rest of the kids.

This skill is more than just a fun activity; it is a gateway to potential employment opportunities in the future. By mastering these techniques, they can gain a competitive edge in the culinary field, helping them carve out a sustainable livelihood as they grow older.

Unlocking the World Through Language

Another key aspect of our visit is the daily English classes. The sessions are filled with laughter, curiosity, and plenty of “aha” moments as the children immerse themselves in learning new languages. Many of them are still not fluent in French either, as they primarily spoke local tribal languages in their villages with relatives. Through interactive games, storytelling, and group activities, our volunteers make the process engaging and enjoyable.

SNI is so grateful for the donated laptops! They play a crucial role in enhancing the learning experience, enabling the children to access educational software, practice typing, and explore new ways of learning. The children’s progress is remarkable, and their enthusiasm is a constant source of inspiration. By equipping them with language skills, especially learning English and digital literacy, we aim to open doors to global opportunities and broaden their horizons.

Wheels of Joy: Sports and Recreation

Physical activity is vital for a child’s well-being, and our recreational sessions bring an extra dose of joy to the center. The children’s eyes sparkle as they zipp by on bicycles, scooters, and rollerblades. Whether it is learning to balance for the first time or racing each other with shouts of delight, these moments of play create a sense of camaraderie and fun.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, our “mobility department” is bringing unfathomable joy and pride to these children, who otherwise would have never had the opportunity to learn such skills. These activities not only promote physical fitness but also foster teamwork, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

How You Can Help

The work at Bana Mayele is ongoing, and there are countless ways you can contribute to their mission. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about their incredible work, every effort makes a difference. Together, we can help empower these children to build a brighter future.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Stay tuned for more updates on our projects and the amazing progress being made at the Bana Mayele Center!

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September 3, 2024September 4, 2024

DRC – The Next Chapter

Hello everyone, this is Michel Steiner, checking in from my latest visit to the Bana Mayele Educational Centre in Kinshasa, Congo.

This being my fourth visit to Kinshasa, the sights, sounds, and smells of Congo were now familiar to me. At last, after a 22-hour trip from Zurich, the gates of the compound were open before us and the first glace into the central yard was a pleasant contrast from the poverty, dirt and confusion that was part of the reality for the 16 million inhabitants that surrounded us. The various quarters of the facility, all lighted in the midnight sky with garden lamps giving it an almost surreal atmosphere.

First impressions

Morning Excitement

The next morning after coffee the excitement mounted as we toured the grounds to see what changes had taken place since our last visit. The dining hall and kitchen showed the most striking transformation from just a year ago.

Transformations at Bana Mayele

Fully outfitted, decorated and able to cater to up to 300 guests, capable of hosting occasional weddings and funerals as a potential self-sustainment and vocational training possibility for the young inhabitants of the Centre the final piece of the operational infrastructure was in place. From now on the focus could be transitioned to education, expansion and further development and improvement of the program.

Team Dynamics

My assignment was unique this year – film director. I embarked on a new challenge to my already broad spectrum of responsibilities as the Founder and Director of SNI; that being, to help present Bana Mayele to the world. With camera and microphone in hand, a dedicated team member and I set out to showcase the realities of central Africa to those who have never experienced this part of the world.

The Power of Volunteering

My travel companion, Joachim from Germany, a former professional sports car racer, mechanical engineer, electrician and general all-rounder, jumped straight into any task that he could find needed improvement to keep his active mind productive. After checking the water tanks, inspecting the pump system, he turned his capabilities to the two vehicles used daily. Clearly, he was in his element, as a volunteer he brought his most valuable assets to Congo, know-how and initiative.

High Gear Operations

By the second day, our full team had arrived and our operation moved into high gear. With volunteers taking on roles such as sports trainers holding activities and games, teachers passing on the basics of English while learning from the kids the local language themselves, medics to help the doctors on site and a wide variety of other responsibilities, each individual was in good spirits, ready to help tackle new challenges every day at Bana Mayele.

Reflecting on the Journey

As I reflect on this incredible journey, I’m filled with gratitude for the dedicated team, our local Project Manager Madlen, and volunteers who bring their skills, passion, and heart to Bana Mayele. Each visit renews my commitment to this mission and strengthens my resolve to continue expanding our reach.

Looking to the Future

Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of these children, offering them not just a place to learn, but a place to thrive. As we look to the future, our goal remains clear: to provide even more children with the opportunities they deserve, and to nurture their potential in an environment where they can truly flourish.

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