The Paul Carlson Partnership is making it possible for first- and second-graders in nine school districts in northwest Congo to receive school supplies donated by UNICEF. The international agency offers kits of supplies and backpacks, but has no way to distribute them. So they called on our partner the CEUM (Communauté Évangélique de l'Ubangi-Mongala). President Mossai Sanguma says, "As they knew that the CEUM is very active in the redynamization of the system of education, the UNICEF office in Mbandaka, chief city of Equateur province, recommended that the CEUM take the responsibility."

The good news is that UNICEF will reimburse the CEUM for its expenses. The bad news is that those expenses come to over $34,000. Two years ago the CEUM provided this service for UNICEF, but last year the costs had risen and the CEUM could not take on the responsibility. 

But the PCP saw this as an opportunity to leverage a much-needed gift for students in our part of Congo. We joined with the CEUM to carry out this project, and sent them the $34,000 from funds we've received that are designated for education. When that money is repaid by UNICEF it will stay in Congo, to be used for education projects that the PCP and CEUM will plan together.

The CEUM is now mobilizing vehicles and personnel to deliver 94 tons of school supplies over Congo's dirt roads. Supplies designated for schools in the South Ubangi region have been shipped to Mongala, a port city on the Ubangi River. They will be trucked from there to the various locations. Supplies for schools in the North Ubangi region have gone further up, to the port of Businga, on the Mongala River (just south of Loko, where we are involved in a number of projects).

Loading will begin by September 15, with a fleet of fifteen 6-ton vehicles to be hired. By the end of the month the kits and backpacks should be in the hands of first- and second-graders throughout the region. Pres. Sanguma has promised us pictures.