Stories
David Mwinza
David Mwinza is an amazing man. He is a talented tailor making clothing for women, school uniforms for children, men’s shirts, neck ties, and so much more. What makes him amazing is the fact that he creates all of his clothing from scratch, with no patterns, and even more remarkably, he does so without his sight, David is BLIND! Losing his sight decades ago has not deterred him from using his skills to be a contributing member of his society when others might have turned to the streets to beg for their subsistence. Even while working in a small 3 meter square, dirt floor shack (the short video on the home page shows him and his also handicapped wife coming out of this shack) made of tin panels supported by tree branches, he dreamed not of having a better place to work, but to run a school where he could teach other handicapped in the area his trade. Such a selfless desire to lift others when he needed to be lifted himself could not go unfulfilled.
Because of generous donations by many, David is now living his dream. He has moved into a secure brick building, has several new sewing machines, tables, chairs, fabric and is teaching both the handicapped (they attend for free) and able-bodied men and women (who pay a nominal fee). His first student was deaf and dumb. Imagine David teaching a woman he could not see, and who could not hear or speak to him how to use something as difficult as a hand-operated sewing machine! David’s future is bright because of generous people like you willing to help others help themselves.
Thank you for your kind and generous donation to the Congolese Advancement Project.
Forever Changed
There are many children and adults in Lubumbashi that need an education but simply cannot afford it. Many, do not know the alphabet and cannot read at all. It is a very difficult handicap. Without these basic skills, they cannot get jobs, driver’s licenses or even go to the store and read labels. They needed an education so that they could prosper. A small school for about 15 children was started. To our surprise, within a couple months there were well over a hundred students attending. They desperately needed to learn French and English, most of them ended up being adults. Paul Mutombo was hired. He is an excellent professional teacher. The students love his good nature and passion for teaching. The school has only been possible through generous donations from compassionate friends that are offering hope to these students.
JK Primary School
In October of 2022 our organization was made aware that a small school in the remote village of Kyewambwa that serves 5 surrounding villages was to be sold and torn down. Through the immense generosity of so many, we raised enough funds to purchase the school saving it and the education of hundreds of students from destruction. Since then, many improvements have been made including desks for the children, water collection and filtration, windows and doors on the classrooms, and many others.
Multiple Schools
We not only sponsor a hair styling and literary schools, but also a school that teaches motorcycle mechanics in Laputa, basic computer skills, a driving school where students can obtain a driver's license and another teaching basics of farming
Families of Lumbumbashi
When Covid-19 hit Lubumbashi many families were trapped at home unable to get food due to the lockdowns. Families were starving. We were able to supply 28 families with food for several weeks until the situation stabilized.
Hair Styling School
Women in Lubumbashi are learning to style and cut hair in a small salon. These women can then take their knowledge to support themselves by cutting and styling hair. Your support helps fund this school and providing jobs in an impoverished area.
Grocery Store
We provide funds to for an initial purchase of food and supplies and rent for a building for small family-run grocery stores. These in turn provide sustainable income for the family and a service to the community.
Farm Animals and Produce
We provide funds for an initial purchase of farm animals including chickens, ducks, goats and others. These of course provide food for the family and also a sustainable source of food as they learn to breed and grown their own produce on the farm. Funds are needed to purchase the animals and food for the animals until the family can be self-sustaining.
Water Filters and Trees
In the small village of Kafunda Uganda great things are happening. We have the privilege of significantly improving the quality of living by providing water storage, clean drinking water through filtration, and the planting of many fruit trees including mango and avocado. As these trees mature they will provide a constant source of food for the village for all to access. The 1,000 liter water tank provides water for farming purposes and the entire village is now learning about the importance of provident living and clean water from Peter who is a member of the village dedicated to improving the lives of his neighbors.