Educate 130 Children of Rape Victims in DR Congo

This has definitely been a time of transition at our schools, especially at the Vijana Primary School in Luberizi. As reported last month, a storm tore the roof off of 4 of the classrooms. Attempts at facilitation with government authorities have fallen flat, which is not surprising. An appeal has also been made to the newly installed bishop, but we predict it will be a long wait before he visits and inspects the damage to the school. Fortunately we have procured U.S. funding for repair from an outside source, leaving GlobalGiving funds intact to continue to pay for tuition and our tutoring program, which remains successful. Classes continue to meet at Luberizi, and when it rains, the students share space with kids in the covered classrooms. Naturally, this disrupts learning. We don't know at this time how long the repair will take once the funds reach them. We are pleased that parents have come through with their pledge to provide used roofing shingles for the effort.

In better news, recently we procured funding - in part from a GlobalGiving microproject - to provide our students with geometrical math kits (including measuring tools) and composition books. This acquisition marks a huge leap in the children's education. Math is no longer limited to learning with 1 box of bottle caps for arithmetic, and chalk for solving equations at the front of the room by only a few students. We are seeking additional funding through a new GlobalGiving microproject, which we expect to be posted soon and which will benefit the struggling students of Luberizi: Backpacks to hold their new belongings and which they can bring home for additional studying (search "backpacks 45 kids DR Congo"). Later we may also have a second microproject for shoes for the Luberizi kids (search "shoes 45 kids DR Congo"). As always, you can continue to reach me personally at annetteamcav@gmail.com.

Remember that you can pledge regular support to this project by becoming a recurring donor here on GlobalGiving. $20 per month, for example, is less than a dollar a day. Without our core needs met - ongoing funding for tuition and tutoring for all 130 chldren - nothing else would be possible. We have come such a long way since we brought these stigmatized children out from the homes where they stayed and brought them to school for the first time. You can also make a gift donation to honor a friend or loved one. And to share your support for this project, you can start your own fundraising campaign: Just click the green "fundraiser" button underneath the large orange "donate" button on the project page. Thanks to all for your support.