Power to Kalebuka, D.R. Congo

Despite the endowment of natural resources and potential hydroelectric capacity, less than 10% of the Democratic Republic of Congo has access to electricity.  Such was true until recently in the village of Kalebuka, home to the Malaika School and Kalebuka Football for Hope Center.

Solar panels were initially installed at KFFH, a community center that offers education, health, entrepreneurship and sports programs to youths and adults in the village. Thanks to a project jointly funded by Segal Family Foundation, Global Citizen Foundation, Voss Foundation, and individual contributions, the Malaika School will soon be powered by solar energy too, using radiant light and heat from the sun.  This will reduce the School’s dependence on unreliable electricity and the expense of running a generator.  A steady, renewable source of electricity will allow for expansion and completion of a computer room.

The company doing the work is EnerQi Solution International, led by its Director, Abdoul Diawara, along with two of his team members, Boubacar Mall and Papa Masseye Seye. The team was warmly welcomed by family and members of the staff. Excitement is radiating throughout Malaika! Imagine the possibilities…

Stefan, Sarah, Julia et Ange-Marie

 

Malaika was proud to send Sarah Kalumba, our Country Manager, to the Football for Hope adidas Exchange Programme in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting of representatives from FIFA community centers took place at the Mathare Football for Hope Centre with workshops devoted to monitoring and evaluating the progress at all the Football for Hope Centres. There were opportunities for everyone to exchange ideas and  learn from other organizations.

Presentation of community engagement copy

 

Sarah was invited to give a separate presentation on community involvement since Malaika was recognized as a organization that does this particularly well.  The community center in Kalebuka focuses on utilizing health, education and football as development tools to improve quality of life for the local youth and community. Find out more about the KFFH Center or make a donation directly to this special place by visiting www.malaika.org/community