Bashilwango
January 27, 2012 by dianahom
One of the many things that I admire about the children of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is their resilience. These children face such hardship that no child should ever have to face, and yet, they still smile, they still dance and they press on. I’ve never met so many children who have the determination and hope to become “something”. These children ask for prayer to finish school so they can find a job after graduation that will help become self-sustainable and help their family and community.
Meet Bashilwango.
He’s 9 years old and attends our second grade class. At first glance, you would not think he is 9 years old. He’s short and small for his age, but, then again, I think most of the children in DRC are because of lack of nourishment in their little bodies. Bashilwango is one of 9 siblings, all ranging from 1 ½ to 19 years old. When I met him at our school, he was so shy and spoke softly. When I asked him questions, he looked to the ground and I could barely hear his answers.
Me: Do you like going to school?
Bashilwango: yes
Me: Why?
Bashilwango: Because it develops my brain and helps me become intelligent.
Me: Do you have a favorite subject?
Bashilwango: Math
Me: What do you like to do in your free time?
Bashilwango: Play football (soccer)
After Bashilwango left to return to class, the social worker who was with us informed me more about this precious boy and his history. He started to attend our school in May of 2010, but stopped soon after because he was very sick. They think he has a blood disease. If he doesn’t receive proper nutritional food, he will become very sick and possibly die. Thankfully, Bashilwango is doing much better and has been able to return to school in September of last year.
We visited Bashilwango at his home. It was located about a 15 minute walk from the school. We took one of the main roads from the school along the base of a hill, then, we climbed what seemed like 3 stories of steep hillside which was slick, muddy, and had makeshift stairs every so often. It was a treacherous climb as one could easily slip and fall off the steep pathway and freefall a 15 foot drop to the embankment below. I’m not sure how the smaller children climb up that when it is raining and they only have flip-flops on.
The house is made of wood, mud and sheets made of tin. The inside of the house is covered in cardboard and blue tarp.
Bashilwango and his family live in a small house that has two small rooms and a kitchen. His mother wasn’t home, but the youngest children were there along with the oldest. His mother works hard, every day, to earn money to purchase food for her children and pay school fees. She often does not come home until after 7 pm as she is still trying to earn money by selling charcoal. If she is able to purchase food for the family, by the time she gets home and cooks, it is 9 pm. On a good day she can make $2. On a normal day she can make $0.05-$1. Still, this is not enough to feed all her children. Sometimes the family does not eat at all. It’s a hard reality that is faced by many of the children in our school and in the surrounding communities. However, hope is taking root.
Bashilwango and his siblings (he is fourth in from the right; one of his siblings is not in the photo)
It is encouraging to know that Bashilwango is receiving an education at ELI and receives at least one meal a day through ELI. His brain is growing, and so is his knowledge of a God who cares for him and loves him. Bashilwango and the other 650 children in our school would not have an opportunity to learn about Jesus and receive an education without the support of sponsors and donors. School fees are expensive for families who have low incomes, especially since the average person in the area makes less than $1 a day.
While ELI raises money to support the school through class sponsorship, we also ask the parents to pay school fees. This is important because it gives them a sense of ownership and is not just a handout. Most schools in the area charge over 3 times as much as we do and do not provide as good of an education and facilities. ELI helps by covering the costs for parents who are not able to earn enough to pay for school fees. We have hired a social worker who determines which children are in the most desperate need. Giving these children the opportunity to go to school would not be possible without the support of donors like you. On behalf of Bashilwango and all the children in our school, thank you so much.
Category: DR Congo, Education, Orphans & Vulnerable Children
