As posted in the Sturbridge Villager December 26-27 2024
FISKDALE — Kids in the Congo, a local non-profit started by St. Anne St. Patrick Parish members in 2008, is announcing three projects to help children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country in central Africa. The projects include furnishing a classroom, building a well, and creating a farm – all to make a difference in the lives of the world’s poorest. Kids in the Congo is also looking for a volunteer to help with fundraising efforts.
“The Congo is one of the poorest nations in the world, with most people living on less than $2 a day,” said Lynne Brouillette, St. Anne St. Patrick Parish member and Kids in the Congo founding organizer. “Political instability, weak infrastructure, violence, health crises, and poor education all contribute to these people remaining some of the poorest on earth, and these three projects will make a difference to many children and their families for generations to come. The world’s poorest need our help.”
This past November, Kids in the Congo opened and blessed a classroom at the Prince of Peace School in the City of Beni. It was dedicated to Father Oliver Blanchette, a Catholic priest who championed the Prince of Peace Beni School from its first groundbreaking. Construction costs totaled $13,000 but do not include the costs for furniture and school supplies.
Kids in the Congo is building a groundwater well in the Village of Bibwa, which has no access to clean water. Having the well means that people won’t have to walk over a mile to a dirty river for water, which is what they do now. The well will cost just over $12,000.
The local non-profit is also working to provide farmland for an animal co-op project. The project will be managed by a high school graduate whose education was sponsored by Kids in the Congo. The farm will provide fresh produce and animals, such as goats, chickens, rabbits, and pigs. People can work in return for a share of the produce and livestock. The farm will be a first of its kind in the region. The project will cost a little more than $13,000.
“Kids in the Congo is making a difference one educated kid and one funded project at a time, but we need a dedicated fundraising volunteer to help support our mission,” continued Brouillette. “If you’re passionate about connecting with others and helping to raise essential funds, we would love to have you join us, but at least donate your cans and bottles!”
If you would like to help Kids in the Congo, donations can be made through the website: www.kidsinthecongo.org. Or you can bring your redeemable cans and bottles, and even water bottles, to the drop-off location in the St. Anne St. Patrick Parish gift shop parking lot at 16 Church Street, Fiskdale. If you would like to volunteer to help or have questions, please contact Lynne Brouillette by emailing kidsinthecongo@gmail.com or calling 413-209-6526.
Since 2008, Kids in the Congo has helped more than 200 children attend school, get an education, and graduate high school. More than 20 kids have continued on to universities and are now employed in agriculture, business, and non-government organizations, working to help people out of poverty.
To learn more about the Prince of Peace School, please visit https://assumption.us/aa-news/prince-of-peace-beni-school-congo/. To learn more about Kids in the Congo, please visit www.kidsinthecongo.org.