Outstanding Grads

Several years ago, friends at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church gifted FEBA with a computer lab and equipment for teaching young women this cutting edge career. After a slow start, we are proud to introduce some of the outstanding graduates of the program. THANK YOU SO MUCH, BRYN MAWR!!!

Usenda Baku Divine

Since her graduation, Usenda Baku got a job in the computer department of the National Society for Electricity at INGA (which links the hydro electric dam at the rapids of the Congo with the mineral-rich Shaba/ Katanga where the electricity serves many purposes).

Biata Grace

When she graduated from FEBA’s computer science school, Biata Grace wanted to continue her education. With the help of Maman Monique’s son Eddie, she applied and received a scholarship to go to Morocco, where she is currently studying and expanding her knowledge for some future leadership role.

Dianzola Gemima

After her graduation Dianzola Gemina found a job at a nonprofit (NGO) in Kinshasa, working in their department of technology.

Pwanga Deborah

Following her graduation, Pwanga Deborah found a job in a computer business in Kinshasa.

PLUS

A few young men have been admitted to the vocational program when there were places available.

Ntukulu Nzau Yannick works for a nonprofit (NGO) in Kinshasa.

Nkua Wete Bonheur teaches computer science in a secondary school in Kinshasa.

Ebola and Other Challenges

Ebola has again been added to Congo’s many challenges. The center of the main outbreak is northwest of Goma, in Uturi province, but it is spreading dangerously. Given the fact that there is no vaccine for this strain of the virus, and it has broken out in a densely populated and isolated region in a conflict zone, the WHO has identified it as an international public health concern. Containment is complicated by the rural people’s fear of outsider medics preventing them from burying their dead with proper rites. There is also Ebola in Kinshasa.

Our partners have bought the recommended disinfectants and are taking all possible precautions. We welcome prayers for all affected, sick and families and medics, and assistance from anyone moved to help for this unbudgeted expense.

Other factors beyond their control continue to cause significant challenges for our partners.

                 WAR:  Sanctions on various leaders and other factors (e.g., the M23-Rwandan “governor” of Goma was killed in a drone attack) mean that the military occupiers of the city are more desperate and daily life for civilians is harder than ever.

                 HEAT: Climate change means that the temperatures in Kinshasa have been in the mid-90s for months; there is only very temporary relief when it rains. Dehydration and illness have taken a severe toll, and more people have needed assistance to survive.

FEBA’s Farm

Harvest is underway at FEBA’s farm, despite some difficulties. The annual crop of cassava is ready to be processed but the farm workers are few and slow. This root crop takes a year to mature and significant work to prepare. It must be peeled, soaked for three days, and dried in the sun before it can be pounded or ground into flour. While urging on those doing the harvesting, Maman Monique and two colleagues spent the day at the farm peeling cassava, in hopes of getting the product ready to feed their community.

The farm also produces short-term crops, especially vegetables such as eggplant, leafy green salad (the leaves of the cassava plant, a bit like spinach or kale), tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelons. These are popular in the Kinshasa markets.

Doesn’t that ripe red eggplant look gorgeous?