The end of the school year graduation ceremony was a success. Unfortunately, several of our friends were unable to attend because of the insecurity that is brewing in the capital. Although things are fairly calm on the surface, Kikimi being a bit removed from the capital, people don’t always feel safe going there, especially with the difficult road conditions. But in Kikimi, the whole village practically took part in the festivities, with very proud parents applauding their children’s good results. It’s encouraging for us to see a change in the mentality and the importance education is starting to take in these villagers’ lives.

Students singing and dancing at the year end graduation celebration in Kikimi.

The whole village came to take part in the festivities.

Some of the parents, so proud of their children for the good grades they obtained.

2       Final Primary Examination Results

We got the results of the final exams for the Primary School students (TENAFEP). All our students passed and received that important certificate, putting once again our school on the map. The laureate this year was Vital, Theo and Florence’s younger son. We are so happy for him. Next school year, he will be attending a vocational high school to learn veterinary science and animal husbandry. His vision is to develop livestock breeding in Kikimi when he grows up.

Vital, praying desperately before starting his final exam.

Our long time friend Neema, out of the goodness of her heart, just donated an assortment of medical equipment given by Mr. Suresh, rice and maize flour given by a GG Mart employee and also some goodies for the kids given by GG Mart. What a blessing!

Neema with Theo and Florence

Some of the medical equipment Neema donated.

Our friend S. found someone who can do a simple hand-drilled bore well in the village with a handpump for a very low price. We still want to fund-raise to do the solar pump project, but doing this simple well for a start will be a big immediate help for the village. The engineer came to survey the site so we hope the work can start soon during the dry season.

Our local sponsors continue to faithfully donate food for the children, including soft drinks which are always a special treat for them.

Distribution of bread and drinks

So happy for a drink on a hot day!

Construction:  The stairway has now been tiled, as well as the walls of the maternity ward, the surgery room and both bathrooms. Next we will take advantage of the holiday season while the children are at home to be building the septic tanks for the medical center and also for the high school sanitary block.

Tiling of the surgery room

Tiling of the bathrooms’ walls

Tiling of the stairways (work in progress)

7       Garden Project

Jacques’ sponsor from France gave him a donation to plant a tree or some other plants. We opted for planting citronella around the medical center, as a prevention again malaria. Citronella plants keep away mosquitoes, and the leaves make a delicious tea which also prevents malaria.

Jacques planting citronella in Kikimi.

Citronella plants growing.

8       Leadership Training

A new study group has started in the commune of Massina with Dr. Gerse and his team, and another one has formed on campus at the University of Kinshasa with Olivier, Jacques and Josue.  Olivier says: « Our present approach is to win a large number of students to the Lord by focusing on a small group. When looking at Jesus’ life, whose sample we are trying to follow, we notice that, even if he took the time to preach and to teach the crowds, he spent most of His time with His twelve disciples. Jesus’ strategy to reach the world was to use this personal approach with a small group.” We couldn’t agree more. 

Olivier giving a Bible class to new students on campus.

Olivier, Josue and Jacques’ new group of Bible students.