The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Opens a New Institute Near the University of Kinshasa, DR Congo

On November 25, 2023 Church leaders, faculty, and students participated in an open house of the Church’s new Institute building close to the main campus of the Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Students from the nearby Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales (ISTM) and Université du CEPROMAD also attend this Institute.

The newly renovated spaces have room for up to 300 students in seven classrooms. There is also a recreation room, kitchen, storage rooms, and several offices. Classes given at the center include BYU-Pathway, Institute of Religion, English language, how to start a business, personal financial management, music, missionary preparation, and computers. All these courses are open to members and nonmembers of the Church.

Elder Charden Ndinga, Area Seventy, represented the Africa Central Area Presidency at the open house ceremony. He called Institute a “gathering place” open to all regardless of their religion. Elder Ndinga encouraged attendees to invite their nonmember friends to the center. Speaking to the students, he quoted Proverbs 4:7: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding.” He also testified that Institute is a “temple of knowledge about the Savior Jesus Christ.”

Elie Monga, Director of Seminary and Institute for the Africa Central Area, called Institute a place where students can find rest during difficult university studies. “This is a place you can feel like a son or daughter of God with divine attributes.” Secular and scientific knowledge are important, but he counseled students to balance these with Gospel study. “Here you will learn truths that are not taught at any university,” he said. “The knowledge you gain in this life will rise with you in the resurrection.” He concluded by encouraging students to invite their friends to come to Institute: “they will thank you one day.”

After the meeting, UNIKIN student Joël Kabongo remarked, “The best way to progress in mortality is by learning the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Institute student Gracia Mananga added, “I didn’t feel like attending the Institute of Religion, but thanks to the testimony of Brother Roland Ntumba, I am now motivated to resume my attendance at the Institute.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supports many educational and humanitarian programs around the world. This is made possible by tithing and generous offerings of faithful Church members, and by tens of thousands of latter-day saints who donate their time to support these programs worldwide.