What school supplies would they need in the DR of Congo (Africa)?

Parent Cafe
21

<p>Obviously, situations differ. In the schools that my parents ran in in Kenya, Mozambique and Cameroon, they asked American and Canadian volunteers to bring some simple supplies - pencils, paper, etc. But they also solicited donations to enable the schools to purchase books in their home country. Donations were also used for other necessities for the schools - computers, sewing machines, woodworking equipment, kitchen supplies. All materials could be purchased locally, even if it meant a 5 hour drive. It’s always good to ask the people on the ground what they actually need. My mom once got the biggest kick out of a volunteer that brought tons of hair ribbons and bows for the girls. In western Kenya, most girls have short, almost shaved heads. But, of course, my mom thought of a craft that they could do with the ribbons - nothing goes to waste. </p>

22

<p>Our church has not had good luck with sending books. English lanugage was ok in Zambia, but had issues with luggage weight and accessibility. For security, the school kept the books locked away most of the time…When another group visited the next year, the school had not het found a good method for utilizing the books. </p>

23

<p>Books are very hard to transport. They weigh a lot. And they are bulky. </p>

24

<p>Oh no! The DR of Congo is in west Africa, in the area with Ebola. Our church members haven’t left yet. I hope they will reconsider, but they’re due to leave Sunday.</p>

<p><a href=“Ebola outbreak - CBCNews.ca”>http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/map-ebola/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

25

<p>Even at our local school in the states the list includes pencils almost always. Add sharpeners.</p>

26

<p>DRC is in central Africa, isn’t it? But still…</p>