Food Security in Times of Conflict: CONGO

The Brottier Centre, named for Blessed Daniel Brottier, C.S.Sp., is a technical school and Spiritan community on the outskirts of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Established in 2006, the Centre provides an integrated training structure welcoming learners from under privileged backgrounds who attend daily and pursue a variety of vocational training programs. Some learners are still young (primary and secondary school pupils), while other learners are adults. 

Over the years SOMA donors have made possible the construction of a borehole, purchase of sewing machines / material and desktop computers.
   
In 2021, SOMA donors provided funds for the cultivation of 5 hectares (12.3 acres) of land and the planting of crops to provide a secure source of food for the community. 

The largest crop planted in three hectares was cassava, a major staple food and one of the most drought tolerant. In addition to the cassavas, 150 feet of oranges, lemons and avocados were also part of the harvest.

Commenting on the harvesting process, Br. Omari indicated that “the harvested cassavas were packaged in bags. We obtained 78 bags of cassavas, one bag of which weighs 180 kg (-300 lbs.).  Normally, according to the experience of the environment, these five hectares should produce more than 30 tons of cassavas. We had to harvest these cassavas from December 2022. But given the inter-ethnic conflicts (M23) and the insecurity of the population that occurred in this part of the city, we had to wait another three months to harvest in April. Some cassavas rotted, and a good part of the field was attacked by weeds. Currently a bag of cassavas can be bought at 195500fc or $85 US. Since the security situation has not stabilized, we were forced to sell fresh cassavas at the price of 50,000fc or $21.70 US per bag.”

Crops are being raised on the remaining two hectares, and hopes are high for a future successful harvest.
 

Medical Dispensary Achieves National Recognition: KENYA

A small medical dispensary established in 1995 has grown over the years with gifts from SOMA donors and others to be recognized as the best Dispensary in Kenya. Fr. Maxwell Atugba, C.S.Sp., a founder of the dispensary, accepted the award in Nairobi, the east African nation’s capital.

This recognition begins the process that will classify the dispensary, known as Tangulbei Divisional Medical Program (TDMP), as a level four hospital allowing it to perform surgeries.

The award ceremony was organized by the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS), a partnership of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK).

The citation recognizes TDMP for “working against all odds to serve the Pokot community who inhabit the vast scorched region of the Rift Valley Province in Kenya.”

Expressing his gratitude at the award, Fr. Maxwell indicated that the nationwide recognition puts the health facility on the global map, thus opening more growth opportunities for the facility.

“I feel very excited. All the staff at our dispensary who work in the most difficult conditions are elated at this recognition. It shows that our efforts are being recognized in this place that remains hidden from the rest of the country,” Fr. Atugba said.
 

Water Sustains Life: GHANA

In many West African nations, the rate of urbanization has outpaced official efforts to expand the provision of safe drinking water. Instead, many households have turned to the private sector to fulfill their drinking water demand. 

Among the modes and mediums used by the private sector to supply water, the market for sachet water— machine-sealed 500ml plastic bags of drinking water—has risen dramatically over the last two decades in West African nations including Ghana and Nigeria.

The Spiritan community in Bantama launched their own sachet water program in 2022 under the direction of Fr. John Osei. The program has sustained itself through outside sales to those in the Kumasi region, netting a monthly profit of $300-$400.