Celebrating the kids’ efforts throughout the school year was a big event in Kikimi. The whole village was present—parents and teachers of course, but also the village chief and the police inspector. Other guests came, like the doctor who had performed free check-ups, and also Bibiche, the secretary from the Scripture Union.  It’s so heart-warming to hear of the good results the students had on their final exams and how many will pass to the next grade. We were especially proud of our 6^th graders who, for the second consecutive year, all received their Primary School Certificate. We were a little apprehensive, as this year the exam was much more difficult, but they all passed with flying colors. We rewarded the 5 top students of each class, but were surprised to see some teary eyes: some kids were sad not to have won first place—this shows how seriously Congolese children take their studies and how much they desire to succeed. Vital, Theo and Florence’s youngest, made it to the honor roll this year. Well done, Vital!

Graduation Day in Kikimi

Four of the five best 4 graders. Bibiche (from Scripture Union) in the background next to Clotilde

Each class performed a skit or recited poetry in French.

First in their class (1st and 4th graders)

First in their class (2nd and 6th graders)

First in their class (5th and 3rd graders, Vital on the left)

“La Petite Epicerie” donated loads of top quality cookies and even chocolates from France for the occasion, enough to give each laureate a big box and for everyone present to enjoy a snack at the end. Each laureate also received a Bible, pens and notebooks.

Clotilde distributing yummy cookies donated by “La Petite Epicerie”

Three students also graduated from our Tailoring Class, at the end of the third year: two girls and the one and only man, a dear handicapped fellow who is so thankful for this opportunity to learn a trade that will enable him to support his family. (Here in Congo, most handicapped people are condemned to begging on the streets as their only mean of survival, as no education is provided for them). Florence proudly displayed the beautiful outfits they had stitched for their final exam. Espoir Congo will be purchasing sewing machines for them, and they will be able to start their own tailoring business from our center in Kikimi.

First three graduates from Tailoring Class

Florence displaying the beautiful outfits they have stitched.

3      Inauguration of the Library

On the same day, we inaugurated the little library in Kikimi. Even though we collected quite a large number of books, there is still room on the shelves for more. We will do our best to bring some back from France each time we do a trip. For those who have not viewed it yet, here’s a little clip we put together of the event: http://youtu.be/Iw39Q7Dzu5g.

Inauguration Speech

Kikimi kids inaugurating the library

Reading is fun!

4      New Born Baby

On our last visit to Kikimi, we were able to meet the new mommy with her newborn baby and lay hands on them both for good health and protection. Florence gives each mommy some baby clothes and a baby sheet, made by the tailoring class. The parents were so thankful that they named their baby girl after Florence!

Newborn baby in our newly set up maternity