ST. CLAIRSVILLE - When Bethany college student Kayla Cline came to the School of Hope to do her student teaching, she brought a level of enthusiasm to the task that is not often seen. Her positive attitude made it easy for her to build relationships with the children with disabilities with whom she worked. What many didn’t know at the time was that Kayla was building something else.
 
She was building a school in Africa.
 
EduCongo, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the underprivileged children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, came to Kayla’s attention last year when she heard Lou Radja, EduCongo’s co-founder and executive director, speak at Bethany College.
 
Kayla along with the Student National Education Association and the President of the Student Activities Council had joined forces with the Project (RED) advisors Keely Camden and Brian Fernandes to raise money for the Global Fund, an organization which fights AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Africa. She involved many campus groups and planned activities like the one where Radja spoke. Because the entire campus was so inspired by him, the Project (RED) team decided to raise money for EduCongo in 2008, with the idea that if you educate children first than you can stop the AIDS epidemic.  This mission interested Kayla, who is a special education major, and she set out to help EduCongo achieve its goals.
 
After learning that a school could be built in the Republic of Congo for just $10,000, Kayla was inspired. In a place where the average income is $2 per day, Kayla knew that she and her Bethany College classmates could accomplish that goal and make a huge difference in the lives of children.
 
This past February, activities on the Bethany College campus for the benefit of EduCongo included a (RED) fashion show on, turning the gym (RED) for the men’s and women’s basketball game, a (RED) dinner at the Cafeteria, and a (RED) benefit dance. Lou Radja was the featured speaker and kicked the week-long activities off on Monday.
While here, he also spoke to numerous classes and organizations on campus and traveled to Linsly in Wheeling and McNinch Elementary in Moundsville. Project (RED) t-shirts and Sarris Chocolate were also sold with all proceeds going to EduCongo. 
 
Kayla’s goal of building a new school will be realized as Bethany College met its $10,000 goal for EduCongo, thanks to the college community and Student Government Association.  In addition, a donation of $10,000 was received from an anonymous donor, who was also inspired by the project.
 
Kayla wanted to involve her friends at the School of Hope in this project and invited them to contribute in a unique way. Students in the preschool and school-age classes decorated two quilts with hand prints and messages for the African students and then proudly presented them to Lou Radja at the School of Hope on February 8th. A smiling Kayla looked on as Radja accepted the quilts.
 
“It’s quite awesome,” Radja said of the School of Hope. “We are planting seeds of hope for all children in Africa and you are the School of Hope. We are the same.”
 
Radja said the quilts will be hung in the library and in the new building at the EduCongo supported school known as La Découverte in Kisanga in the Congo.
 
“I thank Kayla for connecting me with you and for all she continues to be for humanity,” Radja said. “I can't wait to showcase the beautiful quilts at our school.”
 
As Radja made his way to the airport after leaving the School of Hope, he said, “What a great way to end such a great week.”
 
Kayla’s care and kindness will not be forgotten by students at the School of Hope, and the caring she brought to them will soon be felt by children in a school far, far away.
 
 
Education is a privilege in Africa. There are no government or state-supported schools. Students must pay tuition if they want to go learn. Over 1,800 children in grades kindergarten through 12 now have that privilege, thanks to EduCongo’s support. La Découverte opened in 2002 with 198 boys and girls. More than 1,800 students attend classes there today.
 
To learn more about EduCongo, log onto www.educongo.org
 
Published March 16, 2008
The Times Leader, Martins Ferry, Ohio