A New New Perspective

The photo above is a 3D generated image of Kandale recently scanned by Google Earth.

In 2017, the REVE Kandale Foundation purchased a hand-cranked brickmaking machine in Belgium and had it shipped to Kinshasa, which in turn was transported to Kandale. This was the first step toward making a difference in the community of Kandale.* The vision behind this purchase was that this machine would lay the foundation for a whole host of projects, laid out, yes, one brick at a time…pun intended. 

*While the brickmaking machine was the first piece of machinery to arrive in Kandale, Colette has been working in the community and organizing its members since 2010.

This is the view of Kandale in 2017.

This is the view of Kandale in 2019.

In the March 1st, 2020 edition of the Communiqué, https://www.revekandale.org/communique?offset=1605872580943,

(scroll to the bottom),

the many changes to the topography were identified, of which The Multi-Purpose Education Center and the Caritas classrooms are dominant features.

The REVE Kandale team has been eagerly awaiting a new scan of the area by Google Earth. It arrived several weeks ago with great enthusiasm. The image of the town is a testament to that progress. The following images present a developing community, that is making a difference in the lives of individuals and families on a day to day business. It is important to understand that this image was scanned during the height of the dry season and many of the features may not be as green as one might expect. One feature of interest is the path, top center in the 3D generated image. It is the arduous path down to the spring. Hopefully by the next scan this path will be mostly grown over.

In the upper right corner of the 2D Kandale photo the two new primary school classrooms can be identified, providing 12 new classrooms to the community.

Just below the classrooms and to the left is the Multi-Purpose Education Center. In the photo on the left side of the building is the new array of ten solar panels and below the panels with the reddish roofs is the water depot with the two water cisterns to its right.

Right below the Water Depot is the rehabilitated garage that houses the two flour grinders. The array of solar panels powering the flour grinders can be seen on the roof. The circular roofs above are the tukuls nestled in the expanding forest.

And tucked down below the classrooms, the Water Depot and the flour grinders are the girls dormitories. They cannot be seen in the photo above, but they are present in the top photo way off to the right.

This final image above is a diagram of where the new classrooms will go. They will be located to the left of the new primary school. Each yellow rectangle represents a block of three classes and with 8 blocks, that's a total of 24 new classes, 12 for Gufwa Gubila high school and 12 for the Lycée. The blue rectangles are for administrative offices, one for each of the high schools. The pink ones are the latrines.

It is highly recommended that you observe these changes on Google Earth, the clarity of the images exceeds what can be presented in this Communiqué. One can even imagine the smaller dots are people queuing for water, accessing the flour grinders, playing cornhole Kandale-style or simply taking the time to share the day, (although they would probably be doing this in the shade). Seven years later the brickmaking machine remains fully operational and will be preparing the next round of bricks that will be used to construct the next series of classrooms. The Communiqué owes a great debt of gratitude to the people on the ground who have been documenting all the changes these past few years. The photos have been remarkable! Thank you!!!

It's Millet Season!!!

Toward the end of July the town of Kandale is buzzing with the harvesting and grinding of millet. The solar powered grinders have been working full tilt and have been processing as much as 78 kilograms per hour. Millet is both a cash crop and a staple of the diet as it accounts for 80% of fufu and cassava accounts for the other 20%. Fufu is a bread like food that is eaten at all meals. In Kandale, and for much of Africa, there are only two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season.  Presently the dry season is winding down and there has been no rain for 4 months. Food stocks are limited and the increased temperatures have impacted the millet harvest with some families having to sell off next year's seed stock to make ends meet.  

School starts in the beginning of September and many families are presently trekking for days and nights, some 80 – 100 kilometers, to distant woods and savannahs to collect caterpillars to raise enough money for school fees, uniforms and books. Many young people left the village at the beginning of the summer to find work and raise funds as well.  It is a challenging process and not an option for every family. In fact many families will often have to choose who will go to school and who will stay home to support them. 

In 2016, a survey conducted by the regional health center, concluded that 1,700 school age children in the 25 surrounding villages were unable to raise the fees needed to go to school. Only less than 1000 attended. Truth be told, limited classroom space has also been a deciding factor. REVE Kandale Foundation saw this as a call to action and began building new classrooms in 2018 for the Kandale Primary School, in order to maximize access to education.

Upon their return, high school students will be receiving both an academic education and an education in classroom building. With the on-coming rains and storms the high school classrooms are in constant need of attention. Not only do students bring their books and minds to class, but they also bring palm fronds and branches to shore up the roofs. 

The scenario is similar to building the boat while setting to sea. It is a precarious way to learn. 

With an impressive track record under its belt, the REVE Kandale Foundation is presently fund raising to build 24 high school classrooms. In October, if all goes according to plan, work will begin to layout the foundations for these classrooms. Just like building the classrooms for the Primary School, it will be a step by step process. There will be 12 classrooms for each high school. At the Institut Gufwa Gubila, there will be 6 classes for Math and Physics and 6 classes for classes in pedagogy to educate the next round of primary school teachers. At the Lycée, there will be 6 classes for sewing and six classes for accounting.

Like all communities, Kandale is eagerly looking forward to the coming school year. The changes have been monumental these past six years. Yes, life is not a walk in the park, but all the improvements build hope and confidence that the future will bring positive change. A perfect example of this hope is the preparation for next year’s girls soccer match. 

Watch the Mid-Year Appeal Video HERE,

for a better understanding of the current campaign

for the school construction project.

Classrooms for Kandale

A classroom is more than just a building.

 

It is a place where dreams are created, futures are shaped, and boys and girls grow into young men and women.

High school students in Kandale, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have dreams like students everywhere. And they have hopes for a better future.

But they risk having their dreams deferred, and their futures are in jeopardy. 

What these students lack are classrooms where they can learn in a safe, nurturing environment.

This is where they need your help.

Most of the students in Kandale’s two high schools — Institute Gufwa Gubila and Lycée Gin’a Gisanga — study either in buildings made of sticks and straw or classrooms built a half-century ago that partially collapsed in a violent rainstorm in 2019.

They spend far too much class time gathering wood and straw to rebuild when the wind and rain prove too much — a frequent occurrence during the nine-month rainy season.

Michel Gajama Lundeya, headmaster at Institue Gufwa Gubila who arrived in September, says the conditions under which his students study “are deplorable.”

The buildings, he says, “are in a state of decay. The decay is very advanced. The children really need to study, but they have a lot of difficulties.”

With your help, we have provided that safe and nurturing learning environment for Kandale’s primary school, with 13 new classrooms built for younger students over the past five years.

With your help, we have brought safe, clean drinking water to the residents of Kandale.

Now we are beginning a new journey with a new goal — to build both high schools. We have engaged an architect who has visited the site and is now developing detailed designs and budgets. This is an ambitious goal, and we expect it will take several years and several hundred thousand dollarsto complete. But we will build the schools…bit by bit.

With enough help, we can start building the foundation this year. The walls and roofs will follow.

As it was said so eloquently by Mwatha Gutumbuga Nvulaku, former headmaster at Lycée Gin’a Gisanga: “Education is the basis of humanity.”

Education starts with a place to learn.

Please make a donation today and continue your support for the strong and resilient community of Kandale.

Only you can help us provide safe classrooms for the children


Kind regards,

Julie Martel

President, Board of Directors

REVE Kandale Foundation

A Story Told 'Round the World

The story of bringing water to Kandale is one that resonates across the globe. It is a timeless story, whether it is the absence of water, the depletion of water or the discovery of life giving water deep in the ground. Colette has returned to Kinshasa after six weeks in Kandale and she has had time to reflect on this life changing experience, or rather ‘lives’ changing experience. To quote her, “There are no words to describe the profound impact this project has made on the community. All our expectations were seriously underestimated.” With access to water, all the basic water needs of the community have been met, drinking, cooking, washing hands, and bathing to identify but a few. 

As Colette describes it, there is a new hum, a growing joy in the conversations, a laugh that comes from deep within a person and lingers in the smiles. There is no longer the need to choose how the water is used or the worry of how one 25-liter bidon will last the day. People no longer need to recycle the water from washing the vegetables to washing the dishes or bathing.  Even the children have started a water delivery business! People chuckle to themselves that they cannot imagine that water flowed beneath their feet all this time. “It’s magical!” And people have adapted quickly, they are very dismissive about the thought of going to the spring, “No one goes there anymore”. Having water is now a way of life, but it is not taken for granted.

With access to water children no longer need to descend into the valley to retrieve water for the household. They can wash before classes and arrive on time for their lessons.  Now that water is readily available people in the community have begun to observe other areas that need attention. For Colette, she has observed that the high school students are forever repairing their ‘temporary’ classrooms of grass and palm fronds. This constant repair impacts the continuity of their lessons and is a poor protection in the rainy season.  Six weeks ago, after a severe downpour, one of the school’s classrooms collapsed. It was an, ‘all hands on deck’, moment to repair the structure. The students all pitched in by cutting grass while others cut palm fronds for the structure.

Students studying for their Exams D'États.

Five years ago Dr. Karl Klontz reached out to RKF about the possibility of bringing solar power to Kandale. The idea of electricity to run a few light bulbs and charge several laptops was considered an excellent opportunity, but the greater potential was still to come. The addition of 10 new panels now provides power to operate the water pump. Kandale presently has 40 operating solar panels.  Solar power has connected the Kandale community to the world, and the world to this community. Like water, the impact of solar panels on Kandale community was way underestimated.

With water, the garden continues to grow through the dry season, and the forest continues to expand. It is a source of great pride.  The arrival of water has had an immediate and obvious impact on the community, and the subtle changes will continue to be a source of revitalization.

Change for the Better

Julie and Colette have been talking to members of the Kandale community about having the grinder mills and water in the village. The following excerpts represent the genuine impacts these improvements have made in their lives.

The major impacts of access to water:

“Having water available in the village makes a huge change in how we live. It greatly improves the lives of everyone. We are all impacted by this.”

“It used to be that women would come back from the fields and then have to pound corn and cassava and go down the valley to get water. By the time we had dinner it was 8:00 or 9.00 pm. Now we can have dinner before it gets dark.”

“It is much better that the food can be ready to have dinner earlier, and I am not exhausted.”

“There is no need to go to the source and climb that mountain again. I plan to get all my water here in the village.”

“I do not need water right now. All the containers in my house are already full.”

A woman pointed to her daughter tossing out water she just used to clean some food. “I used to criticize her if she did that since it was wasting water. Now we have more water and do not have to reuse it all the time. We can clean things well.”

The physical challenge of collecting water:

“When you go to the water and bathe, climbing back up the hill carrying water is so hard you are covered in sweat at the top and you feel as though you did not bathe.”

“The children have a hard time getting water and sometimes it is a struggle to get them to go. And you worry about them climbing the steep hill out of the valley.”

“Tell me what rocks you need and I will get them. I am so happy about having water in the village.”

Students carrying stones for the construction of the pump house,

 distribution counter and cistern foundation.

The impact on washing clothes:

“When we went to the source to collect water, I would try to bring some laundry to wash also. I had to choose a few pieces to do at a time since it was hard to carry back along with the water. Now I can wash whatever laundry I want in the village and not have to carry it up and down the valley”

The impact on eating:



“There are days that I am just too tired to go down the valley and get water. On those days there is no water to cook and we go to bed hungry.”

“I can stay later in the fields working since the children can go to the grinder and get water so it is at the house when I get home.”

The water source in the valley.

The impact on personal health:

“I used to stress during the day about the prospect of going down the valley to get water. Now I feel calmer since I know I can get water in the village.”

“It is so nice that I do not have to get up at 4:00 or 4:30 in the morning to go get water. Now I can sleep as late as 5:30.”

“Just knowing the water is there in the village gives me peace of mind.”

“When people are ill such as with heat exhaustion and need a lot of water to cool them off it was hard to get enough water fast enough. Now we can care better for people who are sick.”

“Having the water and mill in the village allows me to have more time to wash or just relax a bit. I am not so tired.”

The impact on education:

“The kids do not have to go to the water before school so they can arrive to class on time.”

“If we do not have water in the house and cannot cook the children will go to school hungry.”

The impact on bathing and public hygiene:

“When millet is in season and you are working the fields, you get covered in the tiny bits of millet and you really need to wash after that. Having the water at home is so much better since I can easily bathe and be more comfortable.”

“I used to just give my husband a small amount of water to bathe. Now he has a generous amount to water to wash up well.”

“If people have hernias or other personal issues, which they do not want to share in public, it is difficult.”

“Sometimes people just do not bathe.”

Fresh Water Once Again

It’s been three weeks since the last Communiqué. The two weeks that followed have been non-stop activity.  Continuing with the previous format, here is an overview of the accomplishments with a description by Colette.

People now know there’s plenty water for everyone and the water pressure is so great that it literally takes seconds to fill up a 25 liter bidon. Presently the biggest challenge has been the long wait time, as there is only one staff member to distribute the water with the hose to several hundred people.

Both cisterns are now up. It was quite a sight. Someone had to go inside each cistern that was filled halfway with water to clean it. One of the staff member got stuck getting out. The tank was carefully tilted down and the rest of the team pulled him out. For the second cistern they sent in a young boy.

James trained the woman in charge of distributing the water last week and watched her operating the four faucets stoppers to fill the bidons. She has been doing very well. James also taught the staff how to clean the solar panels. He then connected the remaining pipes.

Everyone thinks it is magical that water is coming out of the faucets, many can not believe they have been living, working and walking on top of water all along without knowing it.

Monday, May 6th: From 2pm to 4pm they filled 102 bidons of 25 liters. Mme Leotine who’s in charge of distributing the water did a fine job.

 

Tuesday, May 7th: 164 bidons were filled today. We have to yet figure out the best time to distribute the water. Most people are coming after 4pm when office is already closed.

Now that water is readily available, everyone is gradually adjusting their schedules to take advantage of when the spigots are open.

Here are the completed Pump House, The Distribution House, the pump controllers, and the solar panels being cleaned to ensure full access to solar energy.

James Kabunga is doing the final wiring in the pump house. Now that the cisterns are in place he is finalizing the connections between the cisterns, the pump house, the distribution house and the solar panels to ensure that they are all integrated.

Reve Kandale Tournament 2025 Edition: The meeting of the local committee for Tournaments took place on Friday the 3rd, May 2024. The Tournament in 2025, organized by Reve Kandale, will be for girls. Practice games, preparation of the soccer field, and distribution of soccer balls for practice games are already underway.

In September we will identify the teams (girls), train referees on FIFA rules, etc. The girls are extremely excited. Any advice to promote a good tournament will be welcomed.

Here is Colette on Friday the 10th, preparing to return to Kinshasa. She is saying her good-byes after a long productive month.

Moving at Full Tilt

Progress on the ground is happening at a remarkable pace. The images that follow are only an overview of the day to day occurrences. The captions have been provided by quotes from Colette and Julie. Within the Communiqué there are several videos that demonstrate the active joy of the community.

Pam and Chris’ shawls made their debut at church yesterday. They were much appreciated.

To see the choir singing,

Click here.



https://youtu.be/E9ExMxRSOXw

James, the project technical lead from Uganda, is examining the flow rate. On Saturday James ran the water most of the day to see how much can be produced. Friday, we pumped over 11,000 gallons in less than 3.5 hours.

The pump has an app where performance can be monitored. You can see how the flow rate fluctuates with cloud cover. This picture was taken when it was cloudy so the flow rate is slow. When it is sunny the 5,000 liter cistern will fill in an hour. So, make hay while the sun shines! The pump is down 92 meters and it is sitting in just over 12 meters of water. The water supply looks good.

Local team helping out from dawn to dusk.

To see some fun while working,

Click here,

 https://youtu.be/tISD_sD7B04

A critical part of the water project has been the mobilization of the people to bring endless amounts of stone and gravel for the foundations of the structures. People from the church and community as well as each of the schools have made repeated visits to provide piles of these necessary supplies for the builders.

An additional structure. This is the start of a building to hold the counter where water will be distributed. The water will come from the cisterns into this house and the person working the counter will control the faucets that send water outside where people will fill their bidons.

Colette and James discussing the day’s progress.

Even the youngest are pitching in.

Click here.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bqX6uypA5-k 

Women at the grinder.

The water is flowing again!!!

To see the pump in action!!!

Click here.



 https://youtube.com/shorts/mMA3pg1xOA0 

The team in Kandale took the initiative to design and build this delightful structure. It is an outdoor meeting area that has proven quite useful. The REVE Kandale team built this using older bricks and cement that was going bad. It is great to see them applying the skills they have learned. This is a picture of a meeting with the faculty of Institute Gufwa Gubila, one of the secondary schools we hope to rebuild.

An early peak inside the pump house.

The girls are enjoying the cool water!

Click here.



 https://youtube.com/shorts/cc_RAq9-_yw

Distribution of newborn kits at Kandale maternity. The kits were donated by the Truth and Hope Women Group.

This is the start of the foundation for the two cisterns. A very strong foundation is needed to hold 10,000 liters of water. The water will go from the cisterns into the counter house and the person working the counter will control the faucets that send water outside where people will fill their bidons.

Now that the water is flowing people are eagerly showing up with bidons.

New bedding delivered at the girls dormitory with much appreciation. Thanks to Tina and Cathy from Truth and Hope Women Group in northern Virginia.

To hear the gleeful children singing a song of welcome and thanks,

Click here.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lGaCEm-2F8I

We had a meeting with community and school leadership on potential plans to rebuild the high schools. They were very grateful at the prospect of improving the old buildings and the discussion went very well.

There was a friendly girls soccer game between Kashitu Village and Kandale Mission Station. The game ended in a draw, 1-1. They played well and there was tremendous enthusiasm for the game from the community. The bodes well for our first ever planned girls’ soccer tournament in 2025. The grinder mill and availability of water in the village has reduced the girls’ responsibilities at home thus making it easier for them to have time to practice after school.

The pump house has a nice red roof and protects the well. It contains the equipment to monitor the pump.

To see the an example of the rich cultural heritage of the people of Kandale,

Click here.

 https://youtu.be/scapSwoilxY 

The celebrations continue and life is improving rapidly in Kandale.

A Message From The President*

*Julie Martel, President of the Board of the REVE Kandale Foundation

The Communiqué is delighted to host Julie Martel for this issue. She has first hand knowledge of what is happening in Kandale. So without further delay, Julie Martel.

"I am delighted to pen this Communiqué on the ground in Kandale amidst the bustle of construction for the long awaited solar powered water system. After I landed in Kinshasa, Colette and I gathered the final supplies needed. We made a delightful visit to the fabric market. When ready, we headed off at the crack of dawn. Fellow travelers included James Kabunga. the project supervisor from Uganda, the construction manager from Kinshasa and the owner of the company that drilled the well last year, as well as specialists in plumbing, soldering and building.

The smooth sailing from Kinshasa to Kikwit and on to Kandale was a good omen for the trip. Our early arrival took everyone in Kandale by surprise, but they soon organized their usual warm greetings replete with singing and dancing.

Fencing for solar panels. Poles to support the solar panels. Installing the panels.

Everyone was anxious to jump into the work. Within an hour of arrival preparations for the next day were launched. Construction leaders were assessing the site, confirming specifications and preparing equipment. There had been a village-wide effort to collect sand and stones needed for construction. Women said how happy they were to help since they would be relieved of lugging water out of the steep valley. As a symbol of their gratefulness, the women’s choir arrived in church carrying stones on their heads.

Early pump house. Pump House. Cistern Area. Inserting pump.

Monday morning work started early on a range of tasks to construct the multiple components needed. One group started digging holes to build stands for mounting the solar panels. The stands were carefully constructed to hold panels at the optimal angle for the site. Within a week the solar array was fully mounted and fenced in. The pump house containing the well was a busy place. As it was constructed the temporary pump was removed and the new stronger pump was inserted. A foundation for the two large cisterns was started. A small house will hold the counter where people will purchase their water and fill their containers.

Water flowing. Cistern House. James monitoring water.

We were thrilled with a successful test hook-up of the system. Water flowed once again and we saw the panels and pump could supply power to pump water at a fast rate. The biggest impediment to the progress of the water project ironically, has been water. We have been reminded on a daily basis that the rainy season is in full swing. At this rate we look forward to the system being open for business in the coming weeks. A million thanks from everyone in Kandale for all those who have supported this effort. The joy is palpable."

The Construction Crew

Thank you Julie, Colette, and James for all your hard work in Kandale. It is apparent that change has been happening very fast and we hope to have another update very soon.

A Bed A Boat and A River*

(actually 20 beds, 4 boats, and the Kwilu River)

Normally the east and west banks of the Kwilu in Kandale are traversed by a ‘bac’. The bac is a ferry that moves from shore to shore with the help of adjustable rudders and moving water. It is very simple and ingenious. The bac is very effective when carrying trucks, commuters, and even cattle. Unfortunately, the bac is no longer in operation and work has begun on a bridge, the first ever, but completion of the bridge is a long way off.  

The 20 beds have had to be transported by dugout canoe or pirogue in French. The dugout canoe parallels the history of humanity and for most cultures it predates the wheel. The Kwilu is full at this time of the year and the REVE Kandale crew has been busy loading the dugouts and steering the beds from shore to shore. A precarious journey, one of many these canoes have seen over the years. Once collected on the western shore they will need to be carried the four miles up to Kandale. With the ongoing bridge construction, there is competition for the river stones. Merveille Gilatulu, the REVE Kandale Teamleader, will be negotiating with the bridge construction team to use their truck and transport the stones from the river to Kandale.

Last Sunday the truck arrived in Kandale. Merveille was on hand to supervise the unpacking. Everything arrived safely and all the materials were organized and stored to await the arrival of Colette, Julie and James. Amongst the many items packed into the barrels, the girls found a cache of dresses donated by “Project Dress A Girl”. Their smiles speak volumes. As the unpacking continues we anticipate many, many more smiles.

The garden continues to flourish. As the dry season approaches, the new water pump will be greatly needed to maintain all the leafy greens and lush vegetables. 

Julie Martel arrives in Kinshasa on Wednesday and James Kabunga, a few days later. After collecting a few last minute items, the team will leave for Kandale, eight hours to Kikwit and another six to Kandale. If all goes well, a two day trip. Safe travels.

An Abundance of Joy

Life continues in Kandale and with every passing week there are constant reminders that life is changing…for the better. 

Students are enthusiastic about their lessons.

The garden is under constant care with new crops harvested and the ground lovingly tilled. New fences are constantly needed to accommodate the expanding garden and to keep out the voracious goats.

Unfortunately the rainy season often makes the northern road out of Gungu impassable. The wet clay becomes very slick and only allows motorcycles to pass. Many people will make the 8 km journey on foot to navigate this stretch, but with heavy bundles it is very challenging. People can be seen at the top of the photo, walking the slippery path. The local road crew has been dispatched to repair the damage, as it is a critical thoroughfare for agricultural goods bound for Kinshasa and other towns along the way. This impasse might also delay the arrival of the new water pump, but it has not delayed the collection of stones.

 Everyone has been participating in the collection, young and old, student and teacher alike. Here in the US, one might bring your favorite teacher an apple, in Kandale one’s enthusiasm is measured in rocks. The pile grows day by day.

On Friday, February 2nd, the Democratic Republic of Congo, (The Leopards), beat Guinea 3-1 in the African Cup of Nations. The Multi-Purpose Center was very crowded with enthusiastic viewers. A screen was set up and connected to the internet, so that people could watch the match. This was a first for Kandale. This past Wednesday the Multi Purpose Center was even more packed to watch the semi-finals with DRC competing against Ivory Coast.  It was very, very exciting!!! Unfortunately Ivory Coast won 1 – 0. Every one was very disappointed, but it was unique opportunity to bring the community together. One person in attendance wrote, “Mama you’ve done a wonderful thing. We are very happy. Everybody is gathered in the multipurpose center to watch the games.” The connections to the greater world grow day by day.

* Last month's Communiqué was mistakenly dated December 21, 2024 instead of January 21. Oops!