Improve Education for 400 Children on Idjwi Island

In August, we traveled to Idjwi Island armed with art supplies, colorful t-shirts, and special snacks and hosted more than 100 students to our first ever "Colonie de Vacances" (summer camp) at EP Buhumba (our primary school). We were greeted with a fantastic welcome ceremony from the entire community. Together with the school teachers, our group from the US and Goma led the students in art projects and other fun activities.

The projects were simple, but meant so much to these kids who have never known even a small piece of paper that wasn't for a strict purpose!  The children were at first confused, and then delighted, and the experience for all was truly amazing. We brought a full array of art supplies, some building toys and sports equipment (soccer balls and team t-shirts) for the camp, which we left for the kids to keep throughout the school year.  

EP Buhumba's director and the teachers were busy getting ready for the new school term starting in September, but they all joined in the camp project fun. We had a fantastic time playing soccer and creating crafts. Students and teachers together made a large banner to hang in the school.

The teachers were grateful for the Fund's ongoing support that we are providing to the school, including the retention bonuses they received.  We are expecting more than 350 primary school students at the school this year, and are working on some exciting plans to further expand programs at our school.