What’s New at the Prince of Peace School Complex?

By Fr. Salvator Musande, A.A., Provincial Treasurer

First of all, we would like to convey to you our warmest greetings from our school, Prince of Peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We would like to reassure you that, in spite of the ongoing insecurity in the region, the school-year has been moving along well and we pray that we can complete the year without any problems.

As we end this calendar year, we hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and will enjoy many blessings in 2023.

Our school continues to grow both in numbers and in new construction. During the current year there are 143 children in kindergarten and pre-K; 408 in grades 1-6; 246 in grades 9-12; and 72 students in remedial classes. That’s a total of 869 students.

Our 42 teachers are very dedicated and fully committed to laying solid foundations for the education of our students.

Thanks to so many of your gifts, we have been able to continue building new classrooms as we open new grades (right through senior high school). Right now we are completing a wing with 4 new classrooms. Let me express my profound gratitude for all you have done for us. We are aware of the sacrifices you have made in our behalf.

This new wing comes after we recently completed two other wings of four classrooms each.

We would now like to introduce you to some of our students.
We hope you enjoy reading about them, their stories and their dreams.

Hi ! My name is Nelson K. Kivahwere. I am 18 years old and I am in 12th grade on the science track. My parents live here in Beni and are proud to see me coming to this school, both because of its excellent academic reputation and the beauty of the grounds and facilities. I come from a large family….6 sisters and 1 brother. Two of my sisters haven’t completed high school yet. As for me, I am making every effort to finish high school because I would really like to go to a university. I dream of becoming a doctor. I would like to save lives and, in my turn, to help educate other children.

I like our school, Prince of Peace, because there is discipline here and the education is of a high quality. In Beni people respect students who come here. I would like to thank the Assumptionists for starting this school and hope many others will attend. It is a great contribution to the development of our country.

 

My name is Jonas M. Muhiyi. I’m 19 years old and will finish high school this year. I have been here at Prince of Peace since 2019. I asked my parents if I could come here because I had heard of its reputation. I have never regretted my decision. I had attended another school and I have to admit that there is a great difference between the two schools. The whole atmosphere here is conducive to a good education.

I have 2 brothers and three sisters. My parents, Luc and Masika, are encouraging me to pursue studies at the university level. As a matter of fact, I dream of studying chemistry in order to work in the food industry and help in the conservation and commercialization of local food products. I would like to lead the fight against the malnutrition of children. Finally, I would like to work to restore a lasting peace in our country. Too many have already suffered.

 

Hello! My name is Alishwa Moustafa. I am 17 years old and in 12th grade. Before coming here I was attending another school in Beni. Why did I come here to Prince of Peace? Because I wanted a school known for its rigor in studies and its discipline. This is good for me.

My father, Moustafa, and my mother, Nyota, have always pushed me to do my best each day. I will not disappoint them. I have three brothers and three sisters. I am the oldest daughter and hope to give my younger sisters a good example.

My dream is to enter business. I would like to build a factory for producing fresh fruit juices. We have lots of fresh fruit in the region but we import juice. Why? I’d like to be in a position to change this situation.

I’d also like to work to improve the situation of women and children. To do so, I dream of, perhaps, opening a private school one day.

 

Hello ! My name is Tendresse Makelele. I’m 17 years old and have one brother and one sister. My father’s name is Thierry Makelele and my mother’s, Esperance.

I am on the science track with a specialization in bio-chemistry. For me, life is science. I would like to become a chemist and work in the pharmaceutical industry.

I’d also like to work for greater Justice and Peace in our region, scarred by war and conflict for so long.

 

My name is Dieuveut K. Mulere. I’m 12 years old and am in 7th grade. I attended elementary school with the Oblate Sisters of the Assumption. Both they and the Assumptionists, I know, are very involved in education and youth ministry. I have 2 brothers and two sisters.

I like this school and feel comfortable here. It really feels like a family. We are loved and our teachers are concerned with each one of us.

I dream of becoming an architect and working right here in the city of Beni. I’d also like to be a peace builder. Without peace there can be no lasting development.

 

My name is Ishara Kabunga and I’m 15 with one brother and two sisters. I’m proud to be here at Prince of Peace. The teachers are close to you and there is a good spirit of competition.

One day I’d like to get involved in the food industry. I am passionate about transforming agricultural products to stem the waste I see all around me. I’d like to help farmers improve their yield.

 

My name is Favori Tudedwe Kakuku. I’m 13 and in 8th grade. I came here because of the school’s opportunities and its reputation. I’m planning on entering the science track because I hope to become a doctor specializing in ears, nose, and throat. My parents Dieudonné and Prospérine are very supportive. I’m also interested in environmental issues.