In the heart of Kinshasa, Congo, Bana Mayele witnessed a transformative year in 2023, marked by significant strides in Phase 4 of our mission between September and December.
Creation of “Le Rêve” Event Hall for Financial Independence
The former dining room at Bana Mayele now stands as “Le Rêve” (translates to “The Dream”), a fully functional event hall with air conditioning that has already hosted two weddings and a funeral. Looking ahead, our focus is on marketing it, not just to sustain the orphanage but also to provide invaluable skills in event organization and catering to the children. Additional resources we are still working on obtaining, including a PA system and DJ lights, are essential for making this dream flourish.
Building an Outdoor Kitchen for Sustainability
Our outdoor kitchen project turned out to be more intricate than anticipated, requiring a new water supply system and a 10m deep septic tank. Thanks to the dedication of SNI’s volunteer Flurin and our local team, the kitchen is now fully operational. This not only ensures better meals for the children but also supports events, contributing to the orphanage’s sustainable future.
If you’re inspired by our journey and want to be part of this incredible mission, there’s an opportunity for you. We’ll soon be sharing details about volunteering at SNI. Keep an eye out for our upcoming post, and in the meantime, express your interest in volunteering by filling out our contact form. Your involvement can be the catalyst for more dreams to flourish, and together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of these amazing children.
Repainting and Revitalizing Children’s Dorms
The original building, has undergone a makeover making it more child-friendly. Repainting with oil paint was a necessity for hygiene. Beyond aesthetics, we attended to overall maintenance, fixing broken doors and showers, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for the children.
Transforming an Old Building into a Community Hall
Behind the main house, a small community hall is taking shape. This space aims to connect children with each other and their faith while strengthening spiritual growth. The ongoing efforts involve rebuilding “La Payotte” – the wooden structure, roof, flooring, electricity, and finally the painting. It is not just a construction; it is the laying of the foundation for lasting connections.
Cultivating Growth in the Garden
A vegetable garden, tended by the children themselves, now provides fresh produce. For the past three months, they’ve enjoyed veggies grown on-site. This not only fosters sustainability but also imparts valuable skills and a sense of responsibility.
This journey of growth and sustainability at Bana Mayele is made possible through your continued support. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved as we weave dreams into reality, nurturing the futures of these incredible children.