The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Supports Education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Friday, May 24, 2024, the Higher Institute of Medical Techniques (ISTM) of Kinshasa had the honor of receiving Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, First Counselor of the Central Africa Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for a visit on the site of a construction project financed by Church humanitarian aid. This initiative aims to strengthen the educational infrastructure of the ISTM, a key institution in the training of health professionals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Elder Mutombo expressed his admiration for the quality and scale of the project.

“I am impressed with the quality of construction of this building,” he said during the visit. “We are not building buildings that will collapse tomorrow, but that will have to remain for future generations.”

The project includes two auditoriums, six offices, eight toilets and two staircases, covering a total area of more than 756 square meters.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through this commitment, demonstrates its dedication to supporting education and training in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“We are dedicated to supporting education," Elder Mutombo said. "We do not have enough money for all educational needs... But this we do from the heart."

This support is essential for ISTM-Kinshasa, which, since 1972, has trained health professionals in 10 varied sections ranging from nursing to the management of health institutions, including physiotherapy and nutrition-dietetics.

Guy Wembo Lombela, director general of the Education and Training Promotion Funds (FPEF), underlined the importance of this partnership.

"We are looking for funding for education and training projects," he said. "Often small grants of $5,000 to $10,000 have allowed us to promote education and training in different corners of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has agreed to finance this major auditorium construction project. We say thank you."

ISTM-Kinshasa: A pillar of medical training in the DRC

The Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kinshasa is recognized for its mission to train specialized executives in the fields of medical and paramedical sciences and techniques. Since its founding in 1972, ISTM-Kinshasa has constantly evolved to meet the public health needs in the DRC. With 10 specialized sections, including nursing, laboratory techniques, medical imaging, physiotherapy, community health, and hygiene and sanitation, the institute plays a crucial role in the country's healthcare system.

Modernized facilities for quality teaching

The construction of this new building is a major milestone for ISTM-Kinshasa. The two auditoriums will accommodate more students, while the six offices will provide adequate space for academic and administrative staff. The eight toilets and two additional staircases will improve living conditions and safety for all occupants. With a total area of more than 756 square meters, this project is not only a physical extension, but also a symbol of long-term commitment to quality education in the DRC.

A shared vision for the future

Elder Mutombo's visit to ISTM-Kinshasa illustrates a shared vision for the future of education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By investing in strong, sustainable infrastructure, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints demonstrates the importance of preparing future generations to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This generous and meaningful gesture inspires not only ISTM-Kinshasa students and staff, but also other institutions and potential partners to follow this example.

ISTM-Kinshasa leaders and students expressed their gratitude to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their significant contribution.

“We are extremely grateful for this invaluable support,” said an ISTM-Kinshasa representative. “This building will greatly enhance our ability to provide quality education and train the healthcare professionals our country so desperately needs.”

This exemplary collaborative project between a religious organization and a local educational institution demonstrates that with a common vision and shared commitment, significant progress can be made.

Guy Wembo Lombela concluded, “This partnership shows what we can achieve together for the good of our country. We hope that other organizations will be inspired to follow this example and invest in the future of our young people.”

In short, Elder Mutombo's visit to ISTM-Kinshasa, on the site of the project funded by the Church of Jesus Christ, marks an important step in the development of medical education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This project demonstrates the power of cooperation and the importance of supporting education to build a better future.