St. Benet's School for Peace

School for Disabled Children

This page is about the school for disabled children run by the Sisters St. Joseph in the mining town of Likasi, southern Congo

Map of Congo

Welcome to the school

We are welcomed to the school by a boy speaking excellent English, followed by presentation of posies of flowers

School for disabled children singing

In this picture the whole school is singing a round most heartily. A significant proportion of the pupils are disabled and they are boarders. The remaining able-bodied children provide a natural balance for the school as well as much needed school fees to help fund the project

A sketch being performed

The picture shows a sketch being performed for us and the rest of the school.

A close-up of the children singing

The standard of singing in Congo is remakably high, both among children and adults.

Martina with some of the children

The children gave us a warm reception

Another sketch

In this sketch the message is don't fight. While these two squabble, someone else sneaks off unnoticed with their food.

More children singing

From an early age the children are taught to sing in harmony. This is also a feature of the singing in churches

A happy wheelchair bound boy

A common feature among the people of Congo is their happy disposition. Despite appalling national and personal problems there is still much happiness.

A little boy managing nicely

There is no stigma attached to being disabled at this school. This is not always the case in Africa (or elsewhere).

A chat outside

You always get a warm welcome in Congo.