St. Benet's School for Peace

The War Damaged School in Kalemie, Eastern Congo

The war damaged school in the eastern Congo town of Kalemie

Congo's civil war has been devastating, killing several million people and creating a massive population shift as refugees flee the areas of fighting. The town of Kalemie in the east is in the war zone and this school was, for a time occupied by fighting soldiers who trashed the buildings and stole all the school's furniture and equipment.

Map of Congo

The war damaged school in Kalemie

This is what is left of the school in Kalemie. Even the windows and doors were stolen

One of the war damaged classrooms

The sisters have now regained control of the buildings and re-opened the school.

One of the war damaged classrooms

Now the sisters will have to find funds to repair the buildings and purchase proper school furniture and equipment

Teaching in progress

Teaching has resumed in Kalemie and lessons have thankfully started again.

Teaching has resumed in Kalemie

Resources are basic including this home-made abacus

Polio immunisation

The children receive some health care including polio immunisation

School dinners being prepared

The children get a hot meal at school every day - a sort of porridge.

School dinners being served

Everyone gets the same sized portion

School dinners being eaten

All the plates are returned empty!

Protecting the few belongings they have

At the end of each school day, everything is taken out of the school and locked away safely

Playtime

Outdoor play activities

Playtime

Outdoor play activities