Educate Medical Professionals in DR Congo

Nyota's life circumstances have not been in her favor. Her father was killed in the fighting in eastern DR Congo. Her mother is in chronic ill health. Her older sister is a survivor of sexual violence and has a young child, making Nyota an aunt. Nyota, her mother, and her siblings lived with her father's parents, who refused to pay school fees for Nyota, feeling that an education could do no good for a girl. Although Nyota was depressed and despondent, she persevered with attaining her passion, an education. Nyota had even tried gathering and selling firewood to raise her own school fees, but no one bought any from her. Every day, she went to the Rwenena Primary School. Because she was not enrolled, she was sent away. But her persistence was too much, and eventually a teacher allowed her in. She scored at or near the top of her class! When at last the principal of the school personally brought her to my attention, I instructed him to immediately enroll her. We also provided a uniform for her. 

This year, in grade 5, she has soared both socially and intellectually; she continues to score well in tests. Her mother observes that Nyota is happy at home and personally helps her with her schoolwork. We love to see parents not only allow their children the time to study at home but also to help them. Nyota's teacher and the school principal both observe "good relations of friendship, friendliness, and openness," adding that she is "disciplined, careful, calm, and non-confrontational in nature."

We thank those who have provided funds for Nyota and others like her. This is why we're doing what we're doing. Thanks for helping us continue our mission.