About Us
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Our Story
Le Programme International des Laics pour la Santé in acronym “PROLASA International” which is translated to The International Layman’s Program for Health , is a Christian non-governmental development organization. It was founded on the 5th of May 1985 in Tchambombo, territory of Kalehe in South Kivu by the initiative of Mr. MURHIMA Désiré; who was at this time deeply concerned about the under development and poverty in rural DRC and Dr. Barry Wecker; a Canadian physician. During this time Dr. Barry Wecker was the Director of the Health Department of the Africa Indian Ocean Division based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Through this initiative approximately 1,800,000 Rwf worth of medical drugs and educational books were raised to start up and support a the organisation. PROLASA widened its field of action in 1991, creating 3 health centres in Mema, Muheto, Katoyi II and a dispensary in Mpati in the health area of Masisi; a health centre in Kashebere (Rubare) in the Kirotche health zone in South Kivu; and finally a Patmos health post on Idjwi. Since 1985 PROLASA has continued to grow and change, adapting to the needs of the people in both the Province of North Kivu and the Province of South Kivu. In collaboration with International Children’s Care of Vancouver, Washington, USA, we have operated a children’s village for orphaned and abandoned children. With a budget of USD $300,000 / year we provide for 160 children.
Our Values
Respect for commitments, transparency, moral integrity, credibility, competence, love for a job well done, team spirit, solidarity, and spirituality.
Our Mission
To encourage the people of South and North Kivu in the DR Congo in their progress to improve their lives and to assist those who are vulnerable to survive.
Our Vision
Promote local initiatives to achieve self-sufficiency and to care for orphans and unaccompanied children.
Our Impact
PROLASA International has worked with the UN Development Programme on two occasions — once in collaboration with the Government of Japan for the construction of a bridge in South Idjwi and we are currently working in collaboration with the UNDP and the Swiss Cooperation on our hydroelectricity generation project. A recent visit from the UNDP with delegates from 8 African countries along with delegates from the UN in Switzerland, France and the USA, reaffirmed the capacity of PROLASA to execute various projects. They visited the industrial campus of PROLASA where the hydroelectricity that we generate is used to operate the following industries: woodworking shop, water purification and bottling plant, fruit juice production and bottling, chicken hatchery, chicken husbandry, plants oils production, soap production, tilapia farming, etc. These projects are providing employment for members of the community, a market for various agricultural products and they are building some sustainable development on the Island of Idjwi.
Désiré Murhima — Director General & Dr. Barry Wecker — Project Director
CHILDREN’S SERVICES
PROLASA operates in conjunction with International Children’s Care…
EDUCATION
PROLASA operates a primary school, two secondary schools, and two post-secondary..
HEALTH CARE
Two health care institutions are operated by PROLASA in Goma and Idjwi..
DEVELOPMENT
The PROLASA Development Department operates a wide variety of..
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