Gratitude and Growth: A Congo Update This Thanksgiving

Mbote! Bonjour! Hello!

Picture a tiny school perched on a sandy hill outside Kinshasa, overlooking the majestic Congo River – this was the backdrop of our recent trip to meet with our Malembe Rise team and the remarkable Club of Leaders. The true highlight was sitting down and chatting with the incredible young people who are transforming their community by creatively utilizing available resources to address complex challenges. Traveling with board members Nick Reich and Brad Long, we witnessed the extraordinary result of the Club of Leaders' dedication.

Their recognition as a green school caught UNICEF's attention, directly leading to the new handwashing station, solar-powered well, and modern facilities on the Hebrone campus. These young leaders didn't just receive support – they earned it through their innovative environmental work. The new infrastructure is more than an improvement for their school; it's a lifeline that will provide clean water and critical resources to their entire community, extending the Club's impact far beyond the school grounds.

Our DRC Director, Dr. Jerry Kindomba, has been instrumental in nurturing this innovative spirit. Watching these young leaders approach challenges with creativity, determination, and hope was truly transformative. Our upcoming newsletter will provide a deeper dive into the stories and impact of these projects. On this Thanksgiving I wanted to share a glimpse of the remarkable resilience and ingenuity we witnessed.

As you gather with your loved ones, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your support. Your generosity is the foundation that enables these young leaders to dream, create, and change their world.

With sincere thanks and warm wishes,

Sarah Castor-Johnson,US Country Director, Malembe Rise