Experiences

 I was two years old when my father died in an ambush by foreign rebels. My uncle was the elder of an Adventist church in our area. He [had] recently received a letter about a ministry that   would care for orphan children. “Seeing that my mother had 10 children who were orphans, my uncle decided it would be better to take two of them to this ministry. I was selected along with   my brother. “We had the opportunity and grace to come to the PROLASA receiving center when the orphanage was still in the city of Goma. We were welcomed with love. “The staff took very  good care of us. We ate three times per day, received medical care, were well-dressed, and were happy to meet other children in the same situation as us. “We met kind housemothers, good supervisors, and other people who really cared about us. Our questions were answered with satisfaction and our needs were met. At that point, we even forgot about the wars. “In 2008 the orphanage moved to [the island of] Idjwi, and that’s where I completed my Primary and Secondary school. Once again, I was among the luckiest and went to study at University in the city of Bukavu. 

“At ICC/PROLASA, we received the following benefits: spirituality, good nutrition, medical care, education, clothing, and many other good things. “Living with a poor, single parent and being an orphan, it would never have been easy for me to even finish primary school. “With the opportunity I was given by ICC/PROLASA, I went further than I had dreamed. What a pleasure! “Fortunately, God’s hand was and is still above me. I am convinced that poverty is never a choice, and if it was no one would choose it, I imagine.” ( Léa was just hired at the Pygmy Project to be our development director. She is engaged to our chaplain and they are planning on getting married in June 2023.)

We made our way towards the boat after we had concluded a house opening ceremony at the Pygmy site in Muchulo. The ceremony was a success and was filled with inexpressible joy as the people celebrated their newly acquired homes. As expected, the ceremony took a long time to conclude and stretched late into the afternoon. By this time dark clouds were gathering across Lake Kivu and they were promising to let go of their contents any time soon.  We scrambled into the boat without wasting any time, and the helmsman attempted to start the engine as we all settled. It gave out a lifeless roar, a stutter, and then went quiet. My heart sank at the thought of being caught in the storm. Surprisingly, the local people continued their conversations without a care in the world. The helmsman tried again with no success. Eventually, after several attempts, the motor roared to life, and we set out into the lake trying to beat the storm. The waves rose high and low, occasionally crashing at the sides of the boat. The helmsman skillfully steered through the crashing waves and kept it on course. Without a word’s notice, he changed direction and headed in the opposite direction from Patmos. I was very concerned, but to my annoyance, everyone seemed not to care at all. They continued with their chatter and banter. Several minutes into this seemingly crazy move we saw another boat. “Maybe the driver wants to pick up someone”, I thought to myself. Clearly, that was not the best time to be making such a detour. The engine was abruptly shut down and we drifted uneasily toward the other boat until we made contact. A jerry-can was passed over to our helmsman from the other boat. He cautiously poured the contents into the fuel inlet. “Petrol”! It dawned on me that we were running empty and with the bolstering waves and blowing winds, we would not make it to Patmos. We could have been caught in the storm, drifted off to an unknown place or even boat-wrecked. The helmsman’s wisdom and experience proved my ignorant concerns very wrong! We made it safely to Patmos, just in time.

To begin with a little bit of my life; I was born on 1995 September 3 in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, the fifth child in my family.  I did my primary school studies in South Kivu from 2000 to 2008 at Imani Panzi Primary School and my secondary school at the Institut Technique Avenir where I graduated in 2014 with a state diploma in chemistry and biology in 2014. During my studies I lost my very dear mother who was my principal family support since my father had suffered from a stroke complicated by a hemiparalysis and he was an invalid for a long period of time, but by the grace of God he managed to  recover, and is now functioning normally. On 2014 November 5, a Catholic sister working on Idjwi, offered to pay for my tuition to pursue  further studies at UNILAI. Five months after beginning my university programme, the sister that was supporting me was transferred to Douala, Cameroun and as a result, things began to get difficult for me. She had paid for my first year of studies so I was able to finish that year.  After my sponsor  moved to Douala, she was involved in an accident which broke her hip and she was no longer able to support my studies.

In spite of my difficulties, I was able to get my bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2017 from the Layman’s University of Idjwi which is operated by PROLASA International. With the help of PROLASA, I was sponsored to pursue a Master’s degree in Paediatrics from the Institut Superieur des Techniques Medicales of Goma.  I was further encouraged by PROLASA to specialize in neonatology but unfortunately due to the social upset of the corona virus pandemic I have not been able to continue in my field of study.  Currently, I am running a small pharmacy and I am grateful for all the help I have received. I never imagined having all the qualifications I have without the motivation and support of PROLASA.

I can affirm without any hesitation that I have benefited greatly from the work of PROLASA and not only me, but numerous other young people have benefited in various fields of  their endeavours and I pray that God will continue to bless the organisation to help other young people in rural DRC to attain a higher education to improve the lives of their communities.

This little preacher shared a very powerful sermon in front of the whole church. With his bible and smile he spoke confidently and passionately. This was not the case a few months ago. He arrived at Patmos in April 2022, after a long journey through the soaking rain, and muddy terrains. Unfortunately, he lost a sibling along the way. He arrived at Patmos village at 5am in the morning, malnourished, and in great distress. He was taken in and cared for. Now he is a happy young man full of life..

Here is my personal story as it relates to PROLASA.  

PROLASA rescued me when I had lost both my father and my mother leaving me an orphan.  I was in a terrible situation.  I had never attended school even though I was beyond the age of starting school.  I will never forget the date when PROLASA rescued me – it was 2002 October 14.  For me, it was like the ravens which fed the prophet Elijah during the drought.  PROLASA educated me, fed me, took care of my health issues.  PROLASA paid for my studies – primary school, secondary school and university and the gave me an internship of one year during which I was employed as a teacher at the PROLASA Institute.  I am now the director of construction at the Muchulo Pygmy Village.  I am married to a beautiful lady called Contente Linda Musheke and I have a three year old daughter whose name is Consolatrice Zawadi Safari. 

I was just a child in 2022 when I arrived at Patmos Village.  In spite of my young age, I vividly remember the warm welcome that I received. 

Mama Carine, the head mother and supervisor met me.  I was accompanied by my stepmother as I entered her office.  My feet were bare and my clothes were worn and dirty.  However, Mama Carine’s kindness knew no bounds.  She got me a dress and a pair of shoes — a memory which is forever engraved in my memory.  At mealtime, I felt a sense of belonging among the other children who had been there before me.  

My Patmos family played a very important role in my life.  They supported me, provided me with food, clothing, housing, healthcare and valuable advice.  Most important of all was the spiritual guidance that I received which shaped me into the person that I am today.

In 2008 – 2009, I proudly obtained my primary school certificate, a tribute to the dedicated teachers and the nurturing environment that Patmos provided.

Our home consisted of 15 children — 10 boys and 5 girls — under the watchful eye of a remarkable mother who cared for us as if we were her biological children.  Her unwavering love and sacrifices made all the difference and for that I am extremely grateful.  

I pursued my studies diligently until I achieved my state diploma with excellent results.  After completing secondary school, the support continued, granting me the opportunity to pursue a university education.

Today, I proudly hold a degree in Nursing Sciences.  I attribute all of this to Patmos’ generous heart and unwavering commitment to orphans like me.  My life feels like a miraculous gift from God and your kindness has played a significant role.  

After a year of being independent, I received a call from Désiré, the PROLASA Director of the Patmos Village.  He invited me to work on a project assisting the Pygmies who are the indigenous people of Central Africa.  Despite initial challenges due to cultural differences, we gradually fostered understanding and love.  Through education and example, we are teaching them to live harmoniously, embracing the love of God and we are helping them to contribute positively to society — all thanks to the education that PROLASA provided.  Your impact on my life is immeasurable, and I am forever grateful.

As I look towards my future, I hope that God will guide me to my life partner.  

But for now, I am a dedicated worker in the Pygmy Project; our salaries sustain us and enable us to pursue personal endeavours.  Recently, I purchased a small plot of land, and my hope is to be able to build a modest home with two bedrooms and a living room.  Having now spent two years with the project, I feel a sense of stability and purpose.