In mid-April, New West retiree Debbie Tommila will walk 10Km to support children in the DRC, taking part in this year’s Virtual Vancouver Sun Run. Her goal is to help raise funds to build another badly needed classroom at a tiny elementary school in Lubumbashi. “I enjoy walking, I love to volunteer, and I am glad to give time and energy to help children’s education,” Debbie said. The school, on land owned by Coquitlam-based Shiloh Place Orphanage Society (SPO), is one of several services developed in the last decade through donations, large and small, from people here and businesses in Lubumbashi. A well and water pump, a community hall/adult education centre/chapel, and three classrooms – with appropriate toilet blocks – are built and in use. “Every dollar given to recognize Debbie’s efforts in the 10Km walk goes directly to the school. SPO is all-volunteer, with no administration fees”, said SPO volunteer Shelagh Armour-Godbolt. “Some 120 girls and boys attend Le C.R.S. Silo-Place in grades one to six. Space is so tight we are using the teachers’ office as a classroom. We need to fundraise to build and furnish a proper, larger classroom in the coming dry season in the Congo. A basic education can be a route out of poverty for these children.”
The school does not require a uniform or shoes – major stumbling blocks at other schools for underemployed families. C.R.S. Silo-Place offers instruction through which a child who started school a year or two late, due to family poverty, can progress – as their ability allows – from grade to grade within a school year. The state curriculum is used. So, if a family moves away, their children can enter school in their new community. “In many ways, the school offers local families hope”, Debbie says. “A bag of cement costs $20. SPO needs to buy 85 bags to build another classroom – will you help us buy one or two bags, to help build hope?”
To support the new classroom construction and to recognize Debbie Tommila’s efforts, your donation can be sent by e-transfer to siloplace@gmail.com, or by cheque – payable to UMOJA and with “Shiloh Place classroom” in the memo line – mailed to SPO c/o #211 – 615 North Rd, Coquitlam, V3J 1P1. (Tax-deductible receipts are available for gifts of $25 or more.) Or give via PayPal at www.shilohplace.ca . Every dollar helps! For more information about the work of SPO Society or the school, please contact Shelagh at 604-415-9397 (day/evening) or at shelaghag@shaw.ca. Thank you for caring about the education of children in need, far from us!
Shelagh Armour-Godbolt
