Category: Education

A School for Ndjoko Punda

Matthew 9:35-38 Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” He said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!” (The Message)

Ndjoko Punda School circa 1960

Before the harvest can occur, the farmer must first turn over the ground, prepare the soil, plant the seed, and water it.

Wherever the Gospel was taken, this same type of process occurred before the spiritual harvest happened. Missions brought medical aide, education, agriculture, and industry. Missionaries sought to improve relationships and the overall quality of life in the communities they served.

Ministry to the whole body, mind, and soul . . .
Resulted in schools, hospitals, print shops, bookstores, etc.

History reveals this pattern of ministry to be true for many mission efforts around the world. It is seen throughout all of Africa wherever the Gospel was taken.

Ministry to the whole body, mind, and soul is still relevant today. The youth of the Democratic Republic of Congo are the leaders of tomorrow.

For the children at Ndjoko Punda, school is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Problems Prevent Children from an Education:
-Children are needed at home to help the family
-Lack of money to travel for school
-Lack of educational resources
-Lack of nearby classrooms

For several years Hope for Congo has been waiting for the right opportunity and time to build a set of primary classroom buildings at Ndjoko Punda. The time and opportunity has arrived now. “Seed” money has been provided for us to build the first building, which will provide three classrooms.

Only a few buildings remain of the original school complex which once existed. They are in ruins as the attached photographs reveal. They were destroyed by age, neglect due to lack of resources, and damage from periodic storms. This building project will replace the old school buildings.

The complete building plan calls for a total of four buildings in the complex. Two buildings with three classrooms each, one administrative office, and separate lavatories for both boys and girls.

The total project is estimated to cost $56,000. More money is needed to construct all the buildings and to furnish the classrooms and administrative offices. Your prayers and tax-deductible donations can help make this possible. 

Mail your U.S. Dollar Donations to:
Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM)
P.O. Box 744
Goshen, IN 46527-0744

Mail your Canadian Dollar Donations to:
Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM)
440 Main Street
Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5

© 2018 Hope4Congo

Education Project

Education Project
by Brad Graber

A good education in Congo is hard to come by. If you live in the cities the cost of an education may be your main challenge. If you live in the rural areas access to a school within close proximity may present an added challenge. Buildings, resources, and supplies are wholly inadequate and do not contribute to a quality education.

The challenges are many but not insurmountable. The basic infrastructure exists, but we need to improve it and build upon it.

School buildings and/or classrooms, educational resources, and scholarships are some of the needs that must be met in order for a quality education to be realized for all grade levels (primary, secondary, and postsecondary). Hope for Congo’s goal is to build schools and classrooms that enhance the education process and experience.

Happy School Children

Hope for Congo’s Goals & Accomplishments for Education thus far:
• Average cost to build a classroom: $12,000
• Hope for Congo has contributed to 10 Scholarships
• Scholarships of $100 – $2,500 are needed
To make education an affordable reality
For those who desire and have the capacity to learn
(Individual scholarships vary dependant upon education costs)
• Necessary tools and resources that allow them to apply their education
• Hope for Congo supplied four carpentry trade schools with tools
Cost to provide basic carpentry tools: $5,000
• Hope for Congo purchased sewing machines for women
Manual sewing machines: $150 each
(Shipping is an additional cost that varies upon location)
• Other technical trades need to be added to this list
• Classroom/Building needs include:
Computers, blackboards, writing supplies, textbooks, desks, etc.
Safe drinking water and toilets

It is only through your generous donations that Hope for Congo can continue to walk alongside our brothers and sisters in Congo. A good education opens up a whole new world and allows dreams never even dared before – to become reality. That is hope.

Please consider how you can help us give them hope.
Your donations are tax-deductible.

Make your checks payable to:
Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission or AIMM

Designate your donation to:
Hope 4 Congo and indicate which project you wish to support.
Monies sent to our general fund will be applied where needed.

Send your U.S. Dollar Donations to:
Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM)
P.O. Box 744
Goshen, IN 46527-0744

Send your Canadian Dollar Donations to:
Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM)
440 Main Street
Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5

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Next week Brad will share about the opportunities that exist to help with safe drinking water.

Prayer Requests: Your continued prayers for Congo are crucial in the current political situation.

© 2017 Hope4Congo