May 2019
May 2019
In May 2019, Congo Sanctuary and Development decided to go on its first field mission in Congo Brazzaville. CSD prioritized immediate needs of the Village of Wollo and emergency situations, such as the conflict with elephants that devastate crops and affect food security, were addressed through pilot solar lighting placement to navigate elephant movement.
CSD readied the village for future training, sustainable livelihoods and environmental stewardship by providing eye exams and glasses, eco-menstrual kits, apiculture equipment and seeds for agricultural as the initial step toward community prosperity.
CSD readied the village for future training, sustainable livelihoods and environmental stewardship by providing eye exams and glasses, eco-menstrual kits, apiculture equipment and seeds for agricultural as the initial step toward community prosperity.
First Night at Wollo
Our first morning waking up in the CSD van was mesmerizing - until dawn, the villagers had been dancing and singing as a protection and welcome ritual. It was 6:30am and the last remaining women and men were celebrating and we quickly joined them in singing a welcome song the children had greeted us with upon our arrival the night before.
We felt safe, trusted and special, which created amazing energy to start our day.
The Days for Girls Kits
The Days for Girls Kits
On a large table in the village's gathering place, we arranged the kits and created a training station.
Registration commenced and each participant was listed with a total of 56 women and 26 men (82 total). "Maman Magalie" (a name given to Magalie by the villagers to acknowledge her stature and kindness as well as to show respect) began to train and communicate, in an interactive session with the villagers, the importance and necessity of sustainable menstrual hygiene to an enthusiastic and focused audience.
We were surprised by the interest of the men of the village, asking many questions, picking up kits for their wives and daughters and proudly being photographed with them.
A total of 59 kits were provided to the village and before beginning our next program, it was asked by the women that music and dancing take place to demonstrate their immense gratitude.
Thank you Days for Girls.
