GOOD WORKS
of the condition of the buildings. Plus, the school doesn’t have power or a secure area for computers. The school — although excited by the opportunity — doesn’t have the resources to fund upgrades or repairs for the project. CBB is undeterred. It is working with the church to build a new, ground-up facility at E.P. Boko-Mpangala instead. Not only would the facility have computers; it
“Our first centre is going to be a prototype, but we want to expand as a social enterprise,” he explains. “I like to dream. My vision is to open different locations in the area, not just in Kinshasa, not just in Congo, but across Sub-Saharan Africa or maybe even around the world.” Plans are already in the works to build a modern computer centre at a local school. “We want to give computer access to
doing isn’t going to be easy. We would love like-minded people to join us in this effort,” he says. APEGA professionals have unique skills that could help CBB achieve its goals. “There is a big amount of collective know-how in Canada and among APEGA Members that can be transferred to Congo,” he says. “We would like to tap into that know-how. We want CBB to be the bridge
“Life is not about what happens to you, but about what you do with what happens to you.” “Those who are lucky enough to swim across the river should remember to build a bridge for those who cannot swim.”
VICTORINE DILUAKIDI, 86 Grandmother of Francis Kiasisua, P.Eng.
would also provide full-day classes for the children. Plans have already been created — what’s needed is the money to make it happen. Mr. Kiasisua estimates the cost at about $20,000, which he hopes to raise through crowdfunding. “The school will incorporate comput- ers into the curriculum to familiarize kids with computer usage early on,” he says. The centre's effect will also spread further into the community, because it will be open for community use when classes are not in session.
younger students too, so they can develop those skills at a younger age,” he says. CBB volunteers in DRC visited over 20 schools in impoverished neighbourhoods, looking for one to partner with. Most of the schools lack electricity or basic amenities. CBB eventually struck a partnership with E.P. Boko-Mpangala, a school in a densely populated community on the outskirts of Kinshasa. Its classrooms — five rooms for Grades 1 to 12 — are simple, thatch- roof mud huts with nothing more than chalkboards and wooden benches inside. Students in the actual grades study in the morning, and in the afternoon the school transforms into a vocational training centre for older students. “It is the only institution that provides services to its surrounding community,” says Mr. Kiasisua. Originally, CBB had hoped to open the computer centre in an existing classroom at the school, but that’s not possible because
for that knowledge transfer, allowing APEGA Professional Engineers and Professional Geoscientists with different skills to volunteer their expertise for the betterment of people in Africa.” The challenges facing DRC and other African nations can be overwhelming to consider. But to do nothing isn’t an option for Mr. Kiasisua. “I’m not naive enough to believe I will be able to solve all these problems. But if I can help one person, for me that’s good,” he says. “The best way to invest is to invest in people.”
INVESTING IN PEOPLE
Just like when he was a young boy dreaming about building dams and bringing power to his community, Mr. Kiasisua remains driven by a desire to end the disparity between rich and poor. But he knows he can’t do it alone. “What we are
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SUMMER 2016 PEG | 57
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