Congolese political, educational, and church leaders, along with more than 100 students, gathered on September 8, 2023 to celebrate the completion of significant upgrades to the Technical Institute of Meteorology, Aviation, and Telecommunication in the Binza neighborhood of Kinshasa, DR Congo, financed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

ITMAT/Binza, as it is known in French, is a key community government school that educates 800 students which include some members of the Church within the Binza, Ngaliema and Mont-Ngafula Stakes. It is the only secondary school in central Africa that provides meteorology skills and others technical skills such as civil aviation, mechanics, radio transmission.

ITMAT leadership approached the Church about helping make improvements to the school facilities, which were in poor condition, dilapidated, dangerous, and inadequate for the increasing number of students. The facilities had not been improved or even painted for almost 20 years.

The construction project included new structures, roofs, floors, blackboards, electric and water infrastructure, and toilet facilities. Twenty-five classrooms were repaired, and 350 desks were provided. These improvements will benefit 1,500 school students annually. The Church of Jesus Christ managed this 5-month construction project and contributed approximately $287,000.

Didier Mutombo, president of the Binza Stake and manager for Welfare and Self-Reliance Services for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Central Africa, recounted the many humanitarian projects that the Church undertakes throughout DR Congo and the world. “We do this,” he explained, “because we strive to be good disciples of Jesus Christ.” He quoted Matthew 25:40, which states, “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Jeanne Mayilanda Lukungo, Director General of the Higher Institute for Applied Technology (ISTA), which oversees ITMAT/Binza, thanked the Church for its significant gift to the school and encouraged the students to take advantage of this opportunity by working hard in their studies. 

A young student said after the ceremony, “our school has really changed a lot. We are very stunned and very happy to see these changes to our school.”

This donation was made possible by faithful Latter-day Saints from around the world who voluntarily contribute time and money to demonstrate their love for the Savior Jesus Christ, for their fellow man, and for their communities.