I have just returned from Djolu to Kisangani where I regain access to the internet to send you this update on the Djolu Technical College. While I was there , I taught a 45-hour course called “Utilisations des ressources naturelles” [use, environmental impacts, politics and regulation of renewable and nonrenewable resources] for the nine third-year students nearing graduation. They are now preparing to defend their theses in May. Two of these students are young women.

None of the students have ever used a computer, although they are taught a class about computer technology. We are currently seeking grant funding to realize our dreams of establishing an internet connection for the college this year. Donations through Global Giving Foundation will help us greatly toward this important goal.

The students wrote letters for me to email to the college’s supporters. One student, Litonga Longandza, wrote:

“Dear friends,
Because of financial problems, the three-year cycle to get the undergraduate degree took me five years. Because of the poverty of my family, ISDR [Djolu Technical College] comes like a dream to me, an opportunity to study at home. After three years of training, I am not the same person than before. I am more capable now, and I feel able to take on important responsibilities in local development efforts. May our Sister Citizens in Falls Church, Virginia and elsewhere across the United States accept my thanks for having opened my eyes. Here we have some difficulties, but any school newly created has problems. Especially equipment problems. Once again, with outstretched hands, receive my thankings!”

With best regards to our friends in the USA,
Albert Lokasola