Our History

Children of Congo Foundation (CCF) began in the fall of 2007 with a clear purpose: to support students at St. Etienne School by easing tuition burdens, improving learning conditions, and encouraging school attendance in the village of Bakwa Ndoba Bena Kabamba, located in the District of Tshilenge, Kasai Province, DR Congo. That fall, we spent three months on the ground, working side-by-side with the local community. Through the incredible generosity of Grace Presbyterian Church, the Lafayette, Louisiana community, and many committed friends and family members, we were able to complete the following foundational projects:

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School Renovations

• Repaired roof, floors, walls, and blackboards

• Reinforced building foundations for safety and durability

Furnishing & Equipment

• Provided new student desks, teacher chairs and tables

• Outfitted the principal’s office with cabinets, desks, and computers

Educational Support

• Supplied school materials: textbooks, dictionaries, teacher manuals, and student supplies

• Covered student tuition to ensure access to learning for all

Teacher Development

• Hosted a two-day in-service training on:

  • Multiple teaching strategies

  • Learning styles

  • Introducing hands-on activities in science classes

Extracurricular Initiatives

• Built a playground and a soccer field to provide safe, enriching activities and help keep children out of nearby diamond mines

Water Access

With the leadership of our team member Ewing Brown, we constructed two clean water sources:

• Ewing 1 – located 100 meters from St. Etienne School

• Ewing 2 – located 1000 meters from the school

These wells now serve over 30 surrounding villages, dramatically reducing waterborne diseases and giving families access to safe drinking water. From these early efforts, Children of Congo Foundation has grown into a lasting mission — rooted in faith, fueled by love, and driven by a vision to see every child in Congo flourish.

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Our Mission

At Children of Congo Foundation (CCF), our mission is rooted in compassion, dignity, and empowerment. We are committed to:

• Providing shelter and education for vulnerable children through the Bishadi Children’s Home in Nyemvue, Kasai Oriental.

• Empowering rural Congolese women through hands-on adult education and vocational training.

Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:14 — “Let the little children come to me” — we strive to create a safe, nurturing, and faith-centered environment where children are loved, valued, and given the tools to thrive.

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A Home Filled with Hope

The Bishadi Children’s Home is more than a shelter — it’s a place of growth, healing, and transformation. Here, children receive:

• Daily care and nutrition

• Access to education

• Christian mentorship

• Moral and character development

• Citizenship values to become responsible members of their community​

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Empowering Women

Our vision extends beyond the children — we believe strong women build strong communities. That’s why we offer adult education and vocational training programs for rural women in Nyemvue, equipping them with skills that open doors to independence, dignity, and long-term stability.

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What We Believe

Education matters — so let’s invest in it. We believe that education, rooted in love and guided by faith, is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. When we invest in children and women, we invest in the future of Congo.