There was buzzing in the air. Co-Founder & Director Yamandou arrived in DR Congo to oversee the final installation of the solar panels and await the grand opening. Grand opening?
Noella landed in Lubumbashi and spent quality time with the students and staff. Pursuant to Noella’s arrival, long time Malaika supporters and new advocate and friend, Eve, came from across the globe to witness history in the making; the inauguration of the first library in Kalebuka! With donations from Vodacom and Segal Family Foundation, the library was opening its doors to the students and villagers, bringing printed and digital learning materials to a country with a female youth literacy rate of just over 50%.
Eve acquainted herself with the students, staff and locals and even taught a lesson on poetry and the importance of education. The girls entertained Eve with their magnanimous singing and Eve graciously reciprocated. Excitement was permeating throughout Kalebuka.
Friday was the big day of the inauguration, witnessed by many, including the press. Access to books is a ray of light- hope for thousands in Kalebuka.
Celebration at River Side Hotel continued; and why not? The grand opening of the Vodacom library is a means of empowering a community with education. Our loyal partners like African Milling, Trade Service, Psaro, Qovadis, and Unilever, and the hardworking staff at Malaika were rewarded with a private concert by Eve.
Celebration at River Side Hotel
It’s a new chapter for Kalebuka. Eve revved up the village with her music and very presence. The local community was awakened with a new venue for learning. The recent press coverage will hopefully enlighten more people around the world of the plight of the Congolese. If you missed any of the articles, in Elle, Marie Claire or Vogue, visit our press page here http://malaika.org/about-us/press/