Mr Kishiba Gilbert – a builder for this ARDF project – and his wife, of Mamba Village

Last fall, we told you about a project to fund a school for marginalized Pygmies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Half way through the project, the school building is nearly complete and on track to begin receiving students in September 2017!

I am member of the Mamba Village; I am helping as a builder at the school project. I thank you God for this opportunities of having a school in my community. I thank you the donors.The school will not only resolve the education problem but will also bring peace [to our region] where Pygmy and Bantou are always fighting.The school will educate Pygmy and Bantou children. Both will benefit with the education at this school. – Mr Kishiba Gilbert

Pygmies are a neglected minority in the Kalemie region of DRC. They number only about 1,500 people in this region so their voice is small. And throughout the entire country, they make up just 1 percent of the population. Because of their marginalization and poverty, few pygmy families can afford to send their children to school. The lack of education keeps the pygmies in a cycle of poverty and exposes them to harmful, violent situations. Pygmy families in the Kalemie area need access to a school that is nearby, affordable – and accepting of them.

Who else to stand for the extremely marginalized but the church? With help from the community, the Anglican church has begun building a primary school for 300 students.  Once completed, local children will no longer need to travel to other regions to finish their education. This reduces the risk of dropping out of school. Since so many pygmies are stigmatized outside of their community, a local school, where community non-pygmy children are educated alongside the pygmies, is the most effective way to keep kids in school – and disarm prevailing racist attitudes.

The project also calls for the building to be used for attend afternoon literacy classes. Despite the building being only partially completed, 20 women have already started classes. A larger number will follow when the building is completely finished.

Praise the Lord!

Click here if you want to contribute to the completion of this project.

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