Keele University Sustainability Hub

Maison Kimbilio, Lubumbashi, DRC

Keele to Kimbilio: A Collaboration to

promote change in the developing

world.

Keele University Sustainability Hub

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” (PLATO, The Republic)

This project has been derived from the pursuit of solutions to problems that effect people who arenot able to help themselves. Such a beginning, where it’s very nature is to help others, canonly stand this collaboration in good stead.

The Sustainability Hub thus far has offered a great level of support that is true to it’s aims:“[to] provide a physical and academic environment to facilitate sustainability agendasrelevant to research, education, industry and the local / regional community.”

Maison Kimbilio, Lubumbashi, DRC.

Centre Kimbilio is a location for some of the 250,000 street children in Lubumbashi to receive food, education and pastoral support. They aim to give this support to children in a small scale ‘family setting’, which allows a bespoke process to be undertaken for each childthat is supported by the centre.

Since the Centre opened 3 years ago, the impact that has been had has been fantastic and so a new facility is being developed.Once complete, the new centre will comprise3 houses, a school block, a shower and toilet block and an office block that will also be usedas a conference venue. The site sources it’s foodfrom a sustainable agriculture facility that is already in place and also has sports facilities; recently completed.

Maison Kimbilio, Lubumbashi, DRC.

Maison Kimbilio is in it’s early stages of construction.

The most recent update I have had is that ‘House 2’ is nearly complete and so the residents of Centre Kimbilio have moved into Maison Kimbilio.

All that is required is power. It is the intention of this project to provide solar panels to Kimbilio so that they can complete House 2.

House 2 comprises enough rooms for the boysto share 2 to a room, a bathroom a living room and a court yard. This court yard is the proposed site for sufficient solar panels to provide power tothe house.

Maison Kimbilio, Lubumbashi, DRC.

Maison Kimbilio is in it’s early stages of construction.

The most recent update I have had is that ‘House 2’ is nearly complete and so the residents of Centre Kimbilio have moved into Maison Kimbilio.

All that is required is power. It is the intention of this project to provide solar panels to Kimbilio so that they can complete House 2.

House 2 comprises enough rooms for the boysto share 2 to a room, a bathroom a living room and a court yard. This court yard is the proposed site for sufficient solar panels to provide power tothe house.

Distance: Keele University to Lubumbashi – 7998 miles

Road Networks: DRC has 300 miles of Roads.

From a recent UK Transport Committee report;  ”This country has one of the lowest motorway densities in Western Europe. This puts Englandat an economic and competitive disadvantage. The remedy for this should include some new initiatives to construct and upgrade motorways. ”

Kleptopcracy established by Mbutu has tricle down effect: “fend for yourself” is the norm.

Keele to Lubumbashi, Viability?

“Kimbilio is really appreciative of the link with Keele University because of the expertise and specialist information that they have been able to offer, as well as their enthusiasm and commitment to the project. We hope that Kimbilio and Keele will be able to continue and develop this connection in the future.”(Ian Harvey, Kimbilio Project Manager. 2011)

“A high standard of teaching can only be nurtured, in a Congolese context, through the provision of books and new technologies. ” (EcoPo, 2011)

Keele and Kimbilio, Possibility?

“Kimbilio is really appreciative of the link with Keele University because of the expertise and specialist information that they have been able to offer, as well as their enthusiasm and commitment to the project. We hope that Kimbilio and Keele will be able to continue and develop this connection in the future.”(Ian Harvey, Kimbilio Project Manager. 2011)

“A high standard of teaching can only be nurtured, in a Congolese context, through the provision of books and new technologies. ” (EcoPo, 2011)

Keele and Kimbilio, Possibility?