1st Annual Shoe Drive for Africa
In September 2012, Cilongo foundation organized its 1st annual Shoes for Africa drive at the Aquatore Park, in Blaine, Minnesota and collected 900 pairs of shoes. The drive was a great success because we collected more shoes than we expected. A common phrase at the foundation is “Give a little and help a lot”. People from around the Twin Cities including suburbs like Minnetonka, Apple Valley, and Stillwater opened their hearts and donated shoes to support a worthy cause. They gave a little and their act of kindness will help a lot. It is common that many people in rural parts of Africa walk long distances bear feet because they do not have shoes or cannot afford to buy shoes. At the end of the day, the Cilongo foundation drop off setting at the Aquatore Park in Blaine became a memorable site for the 900 pairs of shoes and 140 pairs of socks that were collected for students in Africa’s rural schools. The foundation distributes donated good to schools that we support in different African countries. Boxes of shoes have been shipped to A.I.C. EBENEZER ACADEMY in Kenya, Trumpet of God School in Liberia and Sierra International School in Freetown, Sierra Leone. In Minnesota, winter boots have been donated to the Blaine High School in Minneapolis for newcomers’ students.
Thank you to all the generous donors.
20 computers donated for students in Africa
Cilongo foundation’s mission is to support educational initiatives in Africa and the United States. However, the foundation relies on the support from corporation and individuals donors. The foundation received 20 computers from a local businessman to support the foundation work. We are pleased to announce that in December, PANA School in Kabanana-Lusaka , Zambia received one computer. Elijah Lungo, one of the school officials expressed his gratitude for the computer that the school received. The other computers will be sent to other schools the foundation supports in Africa. The foundation use funds donated by individual donors to pay for the cost of shipping goods.
Classroom presentation at Eagan High School A social studies class at Eagan High school was the perfect audience for a presentation on the Democratic Republic of Congo. The students in Ms. Kim’s class read the book “Heart of Darkness” based on a true story about the DR Congo. To complement her lesson on the Congo and give a deeper meaning to learning, Ms. Kim invited Albert Nyembwe, founder and executive director of the Cilongo Foundation to talk to the class about his experience in the Congo. Albert presented on various aspects of the Congolese culture including social classes to the captive audience of students. Students enjoyed the presentation, asked questions and took pictures of artifacts that were shown during the presentation. Ms. Kim wrote, “Thank you for presenting to our students at Eagan High School. I am striving to expose students to the history and challenges of African nations while cultivating an appreciation for the beautiful geography and culture”. Taking advantage of the speaker’s visit, Mrs. Albertson invited the Albert to chat with her students in French. Interact with English learners of the French language was an enhancing experience thanks to the practice of a combination of learning methods that Mrs. Albertson uses to get her students serious about studying French in a whole English-speaking environment.
Cilongo foundation offers customized presentation on African culture but more explicitly on the DR Congo. Contact Albert at cilongu@msn.com if your school or class is interested to learn more about the DR Congo. The presentation includes music, artifact, food and video.
Making a difference
Cilongo Foundation thrives on serving the community by giving back in many ways. Members of the foundation believe that they can make a difference in people’s life by offering services, volunteering, giving resources or sharing a meal. Every other Friday members of the foundation volunteer their time at Friday Manna Market at Good Shepherd Covenant Church, a food shelf in Blaine. Other recent acts of service include volunteering time at Feed My Starving Children an organization that provide food around the world and Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN.
Fundraiser with the Jumpin' Jehosaphats United Methodist Church Pastor Lyndy Zabel of Anoka, Minnesota and the Jumpin' Jehosaphats choir played at the fundraiser event at Good Shepherd Covenant Church in Blaine, Minnesota. The choir performed contemporary Christian music for the public. The team at Cilongo Foundation appreciates efforts to support our activities for students in the US and rural areas of Africa. Please join us!
Pictures: Presentation of Congolese-produced copper captures the attention of students. Mbaya, a CF staff member volunteers at Feed My Starving Children in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Pastor Lynzy plays piano with the Jumpin’ Jehosaphats choir at Good Shepherd Church, Blaine. Volunteers Mary Beth and Tina Dickerson, Carlos, Cynthia and Sony packed shoes for students. Volunteers Prince, Gina and Gaël share a smile after counting computers for Africa. Kabanana PANA students receiving their first computer in Lusaka, Zambia (Africa).
