The main aim of this project is to build a school in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The exact destination of where the school will be built has not yet been decided, however I am open to suggestions. The donations raised will help us buy land, hopefully as much as we can for a reasonable price. Throughout the next two-three years, there will be consistent updates to this, and you will be with me every step of the way.
It is very important to find substantial yet affordable land as the school will have multiple rooms, including music, dance, design and technology and assembly rooms. This is very important because this is a FREE school, and will reach maxim capacity very quickly, however I want to reach as many children as I can. Part of the land will be for farming and crop care. This is VERY important as it will help the children learn key survival skills and will also aid in feeding the children whilst at school. You can give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, however if you teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime
Coming from England one thing that I have learnt is that the schooling system is set on trying to fit us in boxes, and many of us unfortunately do not. I believe that humans are flexible and shouldn’t be confined to boxes. Core subjects such as Maths, English/French/Lingala and Social Sciences will be taught. However at the beginning of this project I intend of sitting down with the children and asking them what THEY want to LEARN, and assessing their skills. This will help us develop the curriculum. They say diamonds are formed when under the most pressure. Most of these children will come from poverty and struggle, yet have soo much talent but no opportunity. Every child learns differently and I will work to strengthen their skills. Additionally I think that lessons in Black Excellence, History and Self Love are VITAL for our community. Knowledge of self is KEY, Confidence is KEY and Comprehension is also KEY.
This is a BIG project so patience, as well as donations and sharing/awareness will play a BG part in making this successful.
I will be posting any updates, events and fundraisers via the Instagram page : MWANA.MBOKA.FOUNDATION where the link will be posted. Please Share.
In terms of the project, as this is a school, any volunteers are welcomed. When i get to Congo I will be scouting amongst the villagers for people who are willing to volunteer in the teaching schemes. I believe that there are many people who are unemployed who have these skills, and could benefit greatly by volunteering. I currently do not have the capacity to pay people, however as the project expands, I will look into this. This is a non profit organisation, and I intend to keep it this way. I myself will be doing some training, especially in the lessons I want to teach in order to actually have correct information and modules to teach. Food will be provided by me and any third parties who wish to help. Same with books, pens, crayons etc, hence why donations are very important. IF I CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU!
The plan is to make this as sustainable as possible. As well as there being an area for farming, I plan on investing in solar panel’s in order to make and keep reusable energy.
I will also look into alternative windmill/wind energy devices which could allow the school to generate electricity to keep going. Generators are also a must, and if anyone has or knows any alternative energy making/storing methods please do not hesitate to let me know. Seeds can also be donated. Implementation of a well or water cleaning devices are also being considered. Lastly a sustainable playground will also be built from natural materials. Any suggestions are always welcome. This is JUST THE BEGINNING.
The plan is to have built at LEAST ONE FREE school in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With your help, I intend to take it to other countries in Africa, particularly where the governments are not doing anything to progress its country or people. In truth, there is no end goal because I want this to expand as much as it can and inspire others to do so, and be more proactive. I know this will take years, however I believe in MYSELF, I believe in THEM, and I believe in YOU. It takes a village to raise a child. Let’s start building our village now.
When this project is completed, I look to expand in other African counties that are struggling and begin to make the change. Charity starts at home