September ‘24 Update
Student-driven solutions. Community-engaged action.
We are thrilled to share with you an inspiring success story from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, where your support has helped create lasting change in a peri-urban slum community.
Local Initiative, Global Impact
Last year, the Club of Leaders in Kinshasa took a bold step towards improving their school and community:
- They constructed two new pit latrine restrooms on their school campus using local materials.
- They shared vital hygiene practices with the community, including the innovative use of ash as an antibacterial alternative when soap is scarce.
- The school grounds were cleaned and transformed through community effort.
Recognition and Expansion
The impact of these initiatives did not go unnoticed:
- The Ministry of Education and UNICEF designated the school as a "green school," recognizing its commitment to health and environmental sustainability.
- Impressed by the community's efforts, UNICEF returned with an extraordinary offer: they would build new restroom facilities and a well for both the school and the surrounding community.
Life-Changing Results
For the first time, this community now has access to clean water – a basic necessity that many of us take for granted. This development is truly life-changing, improving health, sanitation, and overall quality of life for countless individuals.
The Power of Grassroots Action
This remarkable transformation began with the vision and hard work of the Club of Leaders. By taking the initiative to improve their own environment, they attracted further support and resources, amplifying their impact beyond what they could have imagined.
Your continued support makes stories like this possible. Together, we're not just building toilets or digging wells – we're building hope, health, and a brighter future for communities in need. Malembe Rise is dedicated to empowering young people to lead with knowledge, skill, and compassion.
Ensuring Sustainable Impact: A Collaborative Approach
We're excited to share a unique initiative our DRC team has implemented to ensure the long-term success of this project. A diverse focus group has been formed, bringing together:
+Teachers
+Students
+Community members
This group is working in close collaboration with the UNICEF construction project team. Their mission is twofold:
Maintenance Education: The focus group is learning and sharing information on how to properly maintain the new well and restroom facilities once construction is complete. This knowledge transfer is crucial for the longevity and continued effectiveness of these vital resources.
Hygiene Best Practices: Building on the Club of Leaders' initial efforts, the group is reinforcing and expanding education on hygiene practices. This includes the continued promotion of using ash as an antibacterial alternative when soap is unavailable, ensuring that these important habits become ingrained in the community's daily life.
By facilitating this collaborative effort, our DRC team is empowering the community to take ownership of their new resources. This approach not only ensures the sustainability of the project but also strengthens community bonds and promotes ongoing education and skill-sharing.
This remarkable transformation began with the vision and hard work of the Club of Leaders. By taking the initiative to improve their own environment, they attracted further support and resources, amplifying their impact beyond what they could have imagined. Now, with the community fully engaged in the process, we're witnessing the true power of grassroots action and collaborative problem-solving.
Thank you for your support of this critical and impactful mission in Congo!
A word from our U.S. Country Director
Friends, I deeply value the role of curiosity in driving positive change. At the heart of the Club of Leaders' success has been their ability to inspire curiosity – curiosity about themselves, their community, and the ways they can come together to create meaningful impact.
Curiosity has been the foundation for the community's engagement, their willingness to learn and try new approaches, and their determination to sustain the progress they've made. It's this thirst for knowledge and understanding that has empowered the people of Kinshasa to take ownership of their own transformation.
I encourage you, our dedicated donors, to continue advocating for initiatives that foster curiosity and empower young people in the Congo. By nurturing this mindset, we open the door to endless possibilities for growth, innovation, and community-led development.
Your support has been instrumental in this journey, and I'm grateful to have you as partners in creating a brighter future for the Congolese youth. Together, let's keep curiosity alive and unlock the full potential of communities like the one we've had the honor of serving.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment.
With gratitude,
Sarah Castor-Johnson
US Country Director, Malembe Rise