The Church Renovates  Catholic School in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kinshasa, October 18^th, 2024. With a sense of gratitude and fulfillment, and in a festive atmosphere, the Bobokoli Institute EP2, a Catholic school located in the commune of Binza in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, celebrated the completion of a renovation project conducted by the Humanitarian Service of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is more than just a simple renovation project and this act of generosity embodies a deep commitment to the education and future of the youth in this community. In a total of twenty-two classrooms, three offices, a teachers' lounge, a library space, and a digital hall have been donated by the Church.

A Ceremony Full of Emotions

Grateful students and teachers attended the inauguration of the forty renovated classrooms and the digital hall. Beyond the repainted walls and reinforced roofs, the hope for a better future resonated among the crowd. The community’s enthusiasm was evident, especially after the unveiling of the brand-new digital hall equipped by the Vodacom Foundation. This will be the first one in the history of the school.

Under a tent set up in the shade of the trees, the students, dressed in their uniforms, looked forward to the moment when they could enter the newly restored classrooms. The teachers, many of whom attended this same school, made no secret of their pride.

At the event, the school principal, Brother Édouard Yatha, spoke with emotion to express his gratitude, "This act of generosity from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Vodacom Foundation is a blessing for our school and for the youth of Binza. The renovation of the classrooms provides our learners with a healthier and more motivating learning environment. The digital hall is a real tool for our children’s future. It opens doors to innovative technologies and prepares them to better navigate the challenges of tomorrow.”

A Digital Hall: An Opening into the Future

The new digital hall, equipped with brand-new computers and a high-speed internet connection, is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of this refurbishment. For many students, this is their first contact with modern technology. From now on, they will not only be able to learn about computers but also connect to the world, opening new perspectives and learning opportunities.

With bright eyes, a student says, “I want to come to school every day. I had never touched a computer before. Now I can learn to type and one day I will be an engineer!” these words, full of dreams and promises, reflect the impact of this digital hall on the ambitions of an entire generation.

The Challenge and Pride of Contributing to Education

For Didier Mutombo, manager of the Humanitarian Services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this project was a serious challenge, but also a source of deep satisfaction. "Improving education is a mission that we take very seriously. Today's children are tomorrow's leaders, and if we can provide them with an environment conducive to learning, we are directly involved in building a better future for the entire community,” he said.

Didier still remembers his first visit to the school a few months ago. The classrooms were in poor condition, with defectuous roofs, cracked walls, and latrines that were practically unusable. But seeing the enthusiasm of the students and teachers, he knew that this project could make a real difference.

Today, this dream has become a reality, not only with renovated classrooms, but with modern facilities and a digital hall that will transform the educational journey of hundreds of children.

A Continuing Commitment to the Future

This renovation project is part of a series of initiatives undertaken by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to promote sustainable development and education throughout the world. For years, the Church has been contributing to similar projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, aimed at improving access to quality education.

“This is just the beginning,” said Didier Mutombo. “We are committed to continuing our work here and elsewhere, giving children the tools they need to be successful. We passionately believe that every child deserves the equal chance to learn and grow in a safe and stimulating environment.”

A Promising Future for the Bobokoli EP2

Thanks to the contribution of the Church and the Vodacom Foundation, the Bobokoli EP2 school is set to become a model of educational excellence in Binza. The teachers, armed with new teaching tools, can now focus on helping their learners in their learning, while the learners, inspired by this transformation, can dream of a future full of opportunities.

As one teacher put it with a smile, “What the Church has done for our school is much more than a simple renovation. It has given our children a future.”