Congo celebrated its Independence Day from Belgium on June 30th, and while there were no parties, as the country is still in the throes of the pandemic without access to vaccines, the students at the Congo Peace School continue safely gathering for school, and to reflect on the practical applications of their peace studies, practice computer skills, and learn from the library of books in addition to their classroom lessons. While they honored hard-won independence, the students and staff at the Congo Peace School continue to focus on their interdependence.
Bulangire, photographed by Esther Nsapu
Reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr.'s tenet that the beloved community is the framework for the future,15-year-old Bulangire, a secondary school student, shared, "People are stronger when they go together. There is a saying in our local language: 'One hand never beats the drum, you need two.' I have understood that unity is power."
Justine, photographed by Esther Nsapu
"I have been reflecting on the power of someone's dream," Justine, 14, shared. "I am happy to have been encouraged to believe in the power and beauty of my dream. And now I am excited to be sharing with all of you and everyone the dream of my life!"
Thank you to YOU for sharing in the dream of the students at the Congo Peace School! It is because of your support that their dreams of education, equality, and a peaceful future are becoming reality.
The school continues to operate during the pandemic with students and staff wearing masks indoors, frequent hand-washing and the staff taking everyone's temperature before entering the campus. Due to an October start in 2020, our school year is extended through September 2021, and we need to continue to grow our beloved community of supporters!
Please forward this email to others to invite them to join the movement for peace and equality through education. The very laptop or phone you use to do so is connected to Congo: a majority of the minerals necessary to make them (tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold) are mined in Congo, but the people see very little of that wealth.
Your gift invests not only in the minds and dreams of the students at the Congo Peace School, but in their bodies as well; the school meals are sometimes the only food the students eat all week. The peace curriculum includes teaching the students sustainable farming, caring for the earth while growing healthy food to feed the community!
Photo credit: Esther Nsapu
Photo credit: Esther Nsapu