Two Wonderful Gifts for Succession Planning

We celebrate two wonderful gifts for SUCCESSION PLANNING!!! One gift is a person, one gift is the means. Together they will help ensure the future of FEBA, our Kinshasa partner founded and led by Maman Monique.

The Situation: In April Maman Monique will turn 74, long past retirement age. Though she is still as sharp as ever, her energy can’t keep up with all the demands. For years she has been seeking a successor, but finding educated women who are also strong and willing to dedicate themselves to a difficult job at great personal cost, especially in a country where women are so disadvantaged… Think about it… Traditionally, leaders look to their families to carry on their work. Maman Monique has resisted this; she wants to find the best person, not create a dynasty. But her children are the ones who follow in her steps: all well-educated, strong individuals.

The Person:

Maman Monique’s eldest daughter, Nelly Bitota Mukuna Massamba, is her “mini-me,” and she is both ideally qualified and eager to help. The only problem is that Nelly has lived in South Africa since she went there on a mission for FEBA, and her children have grown up in an English-speaking world; moving the family to Congo now is not an option, but she is willing to work out a part-time arrangement while the children are in school.

THANK YOU, Nelly! You are wonderful!

The Means: Our generous friends, Fletcher and Anne Wright (long-time Congo friends and Monique’s hosts when she had her knee surgery), knew there was a succession question. They volunteered (they weren’t asked!) to give a LARGE and special gift to support Nelly’s work! This covers regular flights, housing, salary, etc., for Nelly to spend a month at FEBA every quarter, and work with her siblings in Kinshasa to manage in the intervals.

THANK YOU, Fletcher and Anne! You are wonderful!

“Children’s faces, looking up, holding wonder like a cup.”

Sara Teasdale probably could not have imagined that her poem might describe war orphans in Goma, but that is what came to my mind with this photo. It is amazing to see hope and smiles on faces of Community Charity School students in the path of continuing war, but that loveliness comforts all of us. You/ we feed and educate, so they can smile!!!

A Trip to Congo, Anyone?

No, we are not crazy. The war is in eastern Congo, in Kivu.

    Kinshasa is safe. The main problem there is TRAFFIC. You will need your patience hats.

Projected time is early July, for 1 week.  Please write Elsie SOON for info, since planning and preparation take months.  Elsie.mckee@ptsem.edu 

War and (Some) Recovery

In eastern Congo the war continues, as “peace treaties” have only a semblance of effect. The M23 and Rwandan forces which have ruled Goma with violence for more than a year reached south to take Uvira in December. They also ravaged the countryside. Our CENEDI partners in the villages outside Uvira were driven out of their new homes, raped, and pillaged.

Just a short time ago, the militias withdrew from Uvira and these villages (though they continue their violence elsewhere), and people began to return to their empty, battered homes. Some have only the clothes they are wearing. One woman died of rape, four were hospitalized, others wounded.

We have supplied food and medicine and some basic equipment (plastic basins, etc.), thanks to your continuing generosity! Three women will soon be home from the hospital, and the fourth later. Now they will have the task of trying to revive their coop farm, after the violence and the drought. But they know they are not forgotten! They are so grateful!

Creative Responses

Vocational education is a significant hope for girls and women. UNESCO has made it a priority; several years ago the Congo government established a special department for this, and FEBA was encouraged to apply. After all, UNESCO identified it as one of the two best schools in Kinshasa. Lots and lots of paperwork, more disciplines (cosmetology and computer science and cooking in addition to sewing), and - naturally – payment for all the applications, etc., then followed. FEBA met all the requirements to be a recognized school, with its teachers paid by the state. Month by month promises, month by month nothing…

One of Maman Monique’s goals is for FEBA to be as self-supporting as it can. Now, one of the teachers has “taken to the street,” to tell neighbors who may not know what resources FEBA has to offer them. Mme Lauriane launched a megaphone act to get things going! It was her own idea. Here, close to home, she is demonstrating her technic for the camera, but she goes into neighborhoods, door to door, to say: “Planning a new outfit? Try our expert tailoring! Quick work, courteous service. Bring your material and picture for the new dress and we will make it happen!” Mme Lauriane pro-mises a bespoke dress or suit made on the spot.

Little Miss in Alabama loves her FEBA dress, a Christmas present! There isn’t a good way to do a trans-Atlantic fitting, but this bright little outfit leaves room to grow so she can enjoy it for a good while.