We opened the doors to Year Three of the Congo Peace School (CPS) on Monday, Oct 12th, with nine grades: 1-5 primary and 1-4 secondary with 40 students per class, totaling 360 students. With the 48 students in the two preschool classes we welcomed 408 students this year! After the government delayed school openings due to the pandemic, our staff did a great deal of work to ensure that each student has clean masks, that the hand-washing stations are in place, and the space is provided for students to socially distance. These are provisions most of the schools in the region are not able to offer, and we can only do so because of your partnership.
"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." ― James Baldwin
We realize that sharing the stories of the students is exciting, but it's also important to introduce you to the elders, the teachers and staff, who are the models for the students to observe as students and staff practice together the tenets of peace, nonviolence, and equality.
Meet Cikuru Buhendwa, our new (and first) English teacher! At 35 years old, Cikuru is the father of three, one daughter and two sons. He joins the Congo Peace School family this year with nine years of experience and a degree in English Language Teaching Methodology. When asked why he chose this profession, Cikuru shared, “I’d like to share my experience by contributing to educate Congolese children and youth.”
Congo’s language of education is French, but Amani and the teaching staff are aware of the importance of the students learning English to communicate and be influential in our interconnected world. We’re excited to hear how the students respond to the English courses in the coming months!
Our Community and Congo Peace School Farms continue to flourish and provide not only an education to the students and community in regenerative, organic farming and animal husbandry, but also to provide income. All of the projects that Amani oversees with community leadership also create greater connection in the region, engaging others to join the vision of what Martin Luther King Jr. described as our beloved community.
Xavier and Baba, local fishermen in Mumosho, are two of the experts who helped guide the fishing ponds (that benefit from the compost from the crops and animal feces). Last week, they harvested the three ponds, and caught around 124 kgs (270 lbs) of fish! The fish will be sold in the local market in Mumosho, and part of the profit will go towards buying food for the chickens that will provide eggs for the school meal program, while another part will pay the construction workers who are finalizing the brick fence at Congo Peace School, providing an extra level of security for the students.
Keep an eye on Action Kivu's social media (@actionkivu) for more photos and updates, and this email for the next update, featuring the pre-school students in the classrooms prepared and stocked with amazing learning tools from our partners at The Pedagogical Institute of Los Angeles.
Amani reports that the students were overjoyed to be reunited at their beloved school. We are overjoyed that because of the growing beloved community who supports this important work, we are able to re-open safely and securely.
In gratitude,
Rebecca Snavely
Executive Director, Action Kivu