The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Contributes to the Renovation of a Catholic Primary School in Kimwenza, Democratic Republic of Congo

On January 22, 2025, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated newly constructed and renovated buildings to the Primary School Ntemo, a Catholic institution located in Kimwenza, Mont-Ngafula, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. This gesture underscores a spirit of interfaith cooperation and community support.

The school was established in 1947 and was in a very dilapidated state: The roof was collapsing, the latrines were completely destroyed, the classroom walls were in ruins, and there was no access to drinking water. Once a jewel of the community, this school struggled to provide children with a healthy, safe, and educational environment. With the generous contributions of devoted Latter-day Saints worldwide, the Humanitarian Services Department was able to revitalize this primary educational institution. The donation includes 280 benches, eleven classrooms, and a renovated office. Additionally, six classrooms and a facility with sixteen mixed latrines have been constructed, along with a water borehole. The Vodacom Foundation, partnering in this project, provided thirty laptops and a year of free internet access to support the digital room.

On this joyous occasion, students, teachers, parents, and officials expressed their heartfelt gratitude. The priest of the Sainte Marie de Kimwenza ward opened the ceremony with a prayer, saying, "May God bless The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for this donation." Mr. Vincent Madila, the Director of Ntemo School, remarked, "This renovation is a gift from heaven; the entire Ntemo community is overjoyed with this new opportunity."

This renovation marks a new beginning for Ntemo Primary School and its students, made possible through the collaboration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Vodacom Foundation. The children of Kimwenza now have access to a safe and modern learning environment, showcasing the power of solidarity and community engagement.