Staff and the children of Theresa's House in Kinshasa, Congo
The University of Sioux Falls has a special place in its heart for Theresa's House, a small orphanage located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Theresa's House was founded by Theresa Kashale, a graduate of USF's Fredrikson School of Education, in her native country. On July 6, Theresa left for Kinshasa, Congo, with her team, which included her husband, Tom, her son Gary, and Deb Konz, Theresa's House board member from Brandon, South Dakota. With them they took seven computers for the orphanage donated by USF.
According to Theresa, the computers are essential to the success of the children at the orphanage, as education is their only avenue toward greater mobility in society.
"This generous gift from USF will help to make it a reality," Theresa says. "It has been our dream to help these children learn 21st century skills, and, with God's help, use these skills to become self-sufficient."
While in the Congo, Theresa and her team secured a site where they will be able to establish an internet café that is within walking distance of the orphanage. This café will house the computers, and Theresa hopes that it will not only be a place for the children to learn but a place that will eventually generate income for the orphanage and offer employment to the children.
"We hope and pray for this to be a successful adventure for the benefit of those in so much need," she says.
Through USF's donation of computers, the children will be prepared to leave the orphanage with skills that will enable them to pursue further education. Their graduation from the orphanage will also allow new orphans to find refuge at Theresa's House.
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To learn how you can support the good work of USF on campus and around the world, please contact Bruce L. Blumer at 605-331-6813 or [email protected].
