Bolingo Village Grand Opening!

We opened Bolingo Village in March and we're so excited to share some pictures with you!

The entire GOF team recently spent a little over two weeks in DRC preparing for and celebrating the Bolingo Village opening. It was so exciting to see years of planning and hard work coming together.

The village has a Medical Clinic which will serve the surrounding community and includes an office, pharmacy, two exam rooms, and an observation room. A Community Center will serve as a gathering space for residents and host community events and classes.

There is a playground for kids to run and explore.

There are farm buildings and fields to help the village be self sustaining.

And most importantly there are homes for foster moms and kids to live as a family. Each home has three bedrooms, a living and dining room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The homes have solar power and rain-water catchment systems to help them be safe and energy efficient.

The grand opening celebration was filled with friends, foster families, US staff, DRC staff, and dignitaries. A local dance troup provided entertainment and the local village chief performed a blessing. Our founders Wayne and Michele presented each child with a backpack filled with books, toys, a toothbrush and our Executive Director Nicole presented each foster mom with malachite bracelets.

And of course the kids played on the new playground!

We have six houses with plans for up to 28 houses total. Each house is big enough for up to eight children and one foster mom.

We're so excited for the opening of Bolingo Village and all the opportunities it will afford orphaned children in Congo!