2021 ANNUAL REPORT ON SALISA BANA SCHOOL, THERESA CHARITIES AND REV JIMS EDUCATION FUND
HOPE FOR CHILDREN
KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)
Once again, we have seen another year go by and Salisa Bana School continues to grow in its mission of helping children in one of the poorest countries in the world.
We have seen our school grow to an enrollment of 400+ children this year and our staff has grown as well. We have children in kindergarten through eighth grade. We continue teaching two high school courses, Math and Science in the late afternoon or evening and hope to add more classes during the coming year.
We currently employ the following: twelve teachers, an administrator, facilities manager and two security guards.
Crosier Fathers and Brothers and Days for Girls have the task of the day-to-day operation of the school and 35+ acres.
We have many volunteers who help the Crosier Fathers and Brothers, and Days for Girls organize and take supplies to Salisa Bana from Kinshasa.
Our LDS brothers and sisters helped us drill a well and now we are providing clean, fresh water to the school, houses, and surrounding villagers. By having clean water, our brothers and sisters will now be able to drink and bathe in water that does not carry disease that will help improve health conditions tremendously.
Teresa Charities of Portland has donated enough money to build another house that will house a volunteer couple to hand out FuFu and sardines to the elderly in the area and start a couple’s prayer group. This couple with be part of Teresa Charities. I cannot thank Deacon An Vu enough for his work with the elderly and married couples around the world. We have in the plans to build another house that will be furnished and used by those of us visiting Salisa Bana School. We have learned much over the past fifteen years and what God is asking of us. So, at the beginning of 2021 our strategy has changed, but not our mission of feeding the poor elderly in Congo. Instead of buying food and distributing it a couple of times a month, we now are buying seed to raise our own food, to teach seniors and villagers to grow food and take responsibility for their own lives. We also have started two large fishponds that will provide protein. We have plans to enlarge our pig farm, currently we have sixty pigs that will not only provide food, but as we sell some it will provide needed money to buy additional seed and fruit trees.
As we have learned, money may dry up in the United States and then what? It is a form of welfare that does not help people stand up on their own two feet. As of today, we have 20+ acres under plant. We have numerous fruit trees that will soon be providing food to those in need.
Plans to travel to Kinshasa in 2022 are underway if I can raise the money for travel.
I would like to praise and thank all who continue to donate. Without their support our school, these children that you have never met, our poor seniors, and college students (orphan girls), would not be able to have food or an education to better their lives and their country. Without our donors, our accomplishments would not have been possible. I also want to thank our Board of Directors, and those in Congo who work tirelessly for the good of our children, poor seniors, and all Congolese people.
I started a new non-profit at the beginning of 2020 called: Rev Jims Education Fund. This non-profit helps to send orphan girls to the University of Kinshasa. It covers tuition, transportation and other related issues that may come up. We had our first girl graduate in the spring of 2021, and she has now started her own business. We currently have four girls at the University, and hopefully will had more, as donations continue to be raised. The cost is $500 a year. If these girls do not continue their education, their future in Congo is not very bright and unfortunately would be hard for one to imagine!
We started raising funds in 2021 and for the year the P&L shows the following:
Donations for the year: $9,005.00 and Expenses: $6005.55 Balance carry over to 2022: $3009.45. Note: 100% of all donations goes directly to supporting these girls!
Everything that is done for Salisa Bana School, Theresa Charities and Rev Jims Education Fund is done for the citizens of Congo, not for any profit, not for any glory. All volunteers work for nothing, and any money donated goes directly to the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Alot has been accomplished, a lot more is left to do, but we are getting closer to seeing our dream come true. The dream, of providing a place of “Hope for Children,” and for all Congolese people. With God’s help and yours we will be able to continue building, paying the bills and finish the projects started and provide a true home, school, and safe place for all to grow, learn, and love one another and hopefully change a country.
It is my prayer and hope that you, our loyal supporters will continue to donate, spread the word, and pray for our mission to the Congolese people. Your love of people, especially those you have never met, will be rewarded back to you one day. You may donate in a number of ways; your time, your prayers or just making friends and family aware of our mission.
You may donate in the following ways: Make check payable to:
1. Rev Jims Education Fund – sending girls to the University Kinshasa, DRC
2. Crosier Fathers and Brothers – Salisa Bana School
Checks may be mailed to:
Deacon Jim Pittman
6122 Marvin St.
North Las Vegas, NV 89031
God of Bless you for your love and support of our children.
Rev Deacon Jim Pittman
503-312-5692
salisabanakids@gmail.com
