MY MISSION IN LIKASA

Dear Sisters, I am pleased to share with you my experience of the mission I carried out for three years in Likasi, a town in the province of Haut-Katanga, in the Democratic Republic of Congo;

During those three years, I had the opportunity to work in the fields of education, health and bringing support and hope to people in need. When I arrived in Likasi, I started working in our small FLORI school, where, from Monday to Wednesday, I taught classes during preschool hours. The seven-year-old children in this school can read and write simple sentences in French, which is the language of instruction. They are also able to understand short stories and describe narratives based on their daily lives.

Seven-year-old children are able to solve basic mathematical problems such as addition, subtraction and simple geometry. In science classes, nine-year-old children can explain the cycles of nature, such as the water cycle, and understand basic biological concepts, such as the parts of a plant or the human digestive system. In group activities, 11-year-olds work together to solve problems, such as designing a school garden project. They discuss different ways to plant and care for the plants, and share tasks equally.

As for hospitality, patients start by going to reception to register, and then are directed to consultations, where they meet doctors and receive medical care under different conditions. As I left Likasi, I realized how much this city had changed me, much more than I expected.

My time there allowed me to discover a welcoming community and a culture rich in traditions. Every moment spent in Likasi was a life lesson, reminding me of the importance of being open-minded and appreciating the little things. I leave with memories etched in my heart and the desire to return one day to explore this very special part of the world further.