Andrew Bond's early childhood was spent in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His parents were teaching in a major school in Kimpese, Lower Congo, an institution which is still providing excellent education today. The Bond family and the church and town of Waedenswil, Switzerland, try to provide funds to support this important school.

Country and situation The DR Congo (former Zaire) is a huge country the size of Western Europe with tropical rainforest and vast mineral resources. The country's wealth has been and still is exploited by non-nationals, the profits go elsewhere. After 32 years of Mobutu's dictatorship, a 5-year war involving invading forces left more than 3 million dead and millions more hungry and a country in ruins.

The CECO school in Kimpese gives hope, it never stopped functioning thanks to the resourcefulness and hard work of its teachers and workers who worked without pay for years. The whole region profits from the agricultural and vocational training of their young people. Education means development.
Founded by missionaries 100 years ago, the CECO is run by a united group of Congolese churches. The Baptist World Mission, London, supports and advises and helps to guarantee the good quality of the school.
After independence in 1961, there were only a handful of trained nationals. Together with many others, Andrew's parents volunteered to train teachers.

3000 scholars and students from different faiths, girls and boys, receive their schooling in a Kindergarten , 2 huge Primary Schools, a Secondary School, High School, Technical Training Institute (Mechanics, Electricians, Builders, Joiners) an Agricultural College, Women's School and Bible School. As food and funds for the school are in short supply, teachers, parents and students have to help by planting soya, peanuts, manioc and mais. Recently, more than 2000 oil palms have been planted.