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Current focus: Lotumbe village, a remote regional medical hub in Equatorial Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Université Protestante au Congo (UPC) in Kinshasa
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COLLABORATION.
In spring 2006, more than US$15,000 in donor money was raised among American and Australian friends of HandUp Congo, in collaboration with Aid for Africa Down Under. In Fall 2006, Zone Communication and KGO-TV of San Francisco hosted the successful World of Good Holiday Auction, which raised more than $13,000. We also are collaborating with CNEC Partners International, Hope International,Medical Students' Aid Project, HEAL Africa, Global Ministries and other organizations around the world. Community Loan Fund.
More than US$5000 has been invested in a community loan fund, managed by FLO's local directors. Interest-bearing microloans are funding tiny businesses for individuals and for the community. Loan amounts vary from as little as $10 to as much as $250. The fund began accepting loan applications in October 2006.
Supplies, air freight, and a GENERAL STORE!
The rest of those funds have purchased additional supplies, air freight from Kinshasa to Mbandaka for sewing and education supplies shipped by AFADU from Australia by sea, plus the bulk purchase of goods for a small general store where people in the surrounding area can buy goods without having to spend a week paddling to and from Mbandaka, the nearest large town. The funds also paid for materials to rehabilitate the community structure housing the store.
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Sewing School & Nutrition Garden Expansion. In August 2006, FLO received a grant from the US Embassy in DRC. The proceeds of this grant, written by HandUp founders, has purchased an additional 10 sewing machines and will rehabilitate larger space donated by the community to enlarge the sewing school.
Above, Lotumbe's women are eager to bring the machines and supplies HOME!
The grant also purchased an additional 50 sets of tools for expanding the community garden project. See below.
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The Lotumbe Community Bank opened on November 22, 2006, with funds donated by friends of HandUp Congo. See below for other photos sent by our partners in Lotumbe.
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Goods purchased with the US Embassy Grant and funds donated by friends of HandUp Congo are readied for the week-long voyage from Mbandaka to Lotumbe.
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Wielding a machete, Chantal Bolingo, president of FLO (Fondation Lucie Otaenga) initiates a new round of clearing fields for the community garden. An American Embassy grant purchased 50 sets of tools and additional seedlings for the garden's expansion. With Chantal is Reverand Bonanga, president of the region's Disciples of Christ congregation, of which Lotumbe's community is a member.
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Chantal Bolingo, president of Fondation Lucie Otaenga, works with a borrower who signs her loan contract with a thumbprint because she cannot write.
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Chantal, (left) and Pastor Antoinette Mapele Bolembo (vice president of FLO) bless the opening of the new general store.
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Open for business! First customers take advantage of the new general store.
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Satisfied customers heading home... saving a week of paddling to Mbandaka and a week's return to Lotumbe... (or simply doing without).
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