The Schools at Masi-ma-Nimba

For several years, the parish of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart has supported the community of Masi-ma-Nimba in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through the Passionist Sisters, the parish in Herne Bay and the incredible support of the English Passionist Province, the change in the quality of life has been dramatic. Below, you will see some of the latest videos and photos from the new school building project. Here, Moyra Feathers shares the story so far.

In 2007, the Headteacher of the school approached me for help. We had been in contact because a friend of mine had been deported to Kinshasa and I had asked the Passionist Sisters for help for him. Sister Astrid told me about the great need for new buildings for the school and the maternity clinic which the sisters also run. I started fundraising in our parish and we raised the money first to improve the conditions in the maternity clinic, just a filthy hut before we sent money for improvements, then a seven classroom secondary school was built and equipped.

Last year, Sister Astrid approached me again, this time about the Primary School. She told me she needed $40000. The Government inspectors were talking about closing down the school because the buildings, actually the Parish hall, were too cramped and there was no furniture. Children sat on the floor and used slates. The only equipment was a blackboard. I found this large sum daunting.

We had raised the money for the Secondary classrooms bit by bit, now we needed it all at once. Father Mark, as always, came to the rescue. He has arranged for the English Passionists to give the money for the school. The construction is now underway (August 2021) and they hope to be using the new school by November or earlier. The benches will also be made on site, with wood floated down the river and carried up to the School by the parents.

I can’t emphasise enough what the development of the Secondary School has meant for the village. They were the poorest people in the district and now have new opportunities for their children, especially the girls. Fees have to be paid for school enrolment and exam fees. Uniform is also required. Some families can’t afford that so any monies I am given now by Parishioners I send for those purposes. Some of the children are orphans or from single parent families. What we send makes all the difference and we welcome single donations or direct debits (contact Moyra via the parish office, if you feel able to help).