Emmanuel Centre

Emmanuel Centre was established in 2009 in Marungu, on the High Plateau of Eastern Congo,spanning over 200 hectares. At that time there were 6 homes and each home had 6 to 10 children cared for by 2 mamas.. There was also a church, primary and secondary school, and a flour mill. Various developments over time including a carpentry center, and an agriculture project were designed to make the Centre completely self-sufficient through the raising of goats, chickens, cattle, and a tree farm.

In 2021 tragedy struck due to war breaking out in the High Plateau forcing the evacuation of the children and families living there. After a treacherous journey the Centre was relocated to Uvira, a larger town in the Democratic Republic of Congo where it was safer. There are currently 24 primary school age children and 15 secondary school age children living in one large home with 7 mamas.

Emmanuel Centre children and staff

Najenga Hope Society has a commitment to Emmanuel Centre for rations, school fees, materials and school uniforms for the children.

Two agriculture projects are ongoing to augment rations and raise revenue.

  • On our Najenga land there is planting and harvesting of maize (corn), cassava, beans, lenga-lenga and various fruit trees.

  • In Kaminyola, maize, cassava and beans are harvested Najenga has committed to fund the first 2 seasons at $900 USD per season.

  • Maize, known as corn in North America, is a tall stout grass that produces cereal grain.

  • Provides up to 50% of daily vitamin A needs when eaten regularly.

  • Maize is one of the most genetically diverse crops in the world.

Maize (corn)

Maize crop

  • Cassava, a perennial crop that was meant to be a famine proofing crop.

  • It is a pest free and reliable crop during drought conditions.

  • The flour form of Cassava is known as fou-fou.

  • The Cassava leaves as a vegetable are rich in proteins, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C.