DR Congo: In Malambwe, the Reconstruction of EP Muyala by World Vision Restores Hope for Over 700 Children
On 18 February 2026, the village of Malambwe, located around 70 kilometres from Lubumbashi in Kasenga Territory (Haut-Katanga Province), celebrated the official inauguration of the newly reconstructed building of Muyala Primary School. The ceremony was attended by provincial and local authorities, the village chief, staff from World Vision DRC, representatives of community structures, as well as pupils, parents, and civil society actors.
This inauguration marks a major milestone for the community. The reconstruction of EP Muyala, carried out by World Vision DRC with funding from World Vision US, forms part of a broader dynamic of social transformation. In this rural area, long confronted with limited access to essential services, investment in education represents a structural lever for children’s dignity, family stability, and the collective future.
The school, a Catholic state-subsidised institution operating under the free education policy, now has three fully equipped classrooms and two sanitation blocks. One includes three latrines for boys; the other includes two latrines and a menstrual hygiene shower for girls. This improvement in sanitation facilities is a decisive factor for hygiene, protection, and school retention, particularly for girls. More than 700 pupils from surrounding communities now benefit from a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Founded in 1911, Malambwe has historically developed around fishing, agriculture, and small-scale livestock farming. For many years, river water was used both for drinking and domestic purposes, exposing residents to significant health risks. The school’s inauguration, therefore, carries particular significance. It is part of a wider set of interventions, including the installation of six modern boreholes, which help reduce the shortage of safe drinking water. Following a cholera outbreak in 2024, these infrastructures represent a decisive turning point for public health and community well-being.
Community leaders’ testimonies highlighted the tangible impact of these changes. Mr Eugène Kantanga, a member of civil society (Linapedho) and teacher at Institut Munene 2, stated:
“In previous years, we used to drink water from the river, and now we have safe drinking water thanks to World Vision. Our children can study in better conditions. Continue doing good works. May God bless World Vision.”
The village chief, Robert Kayabwe, emphasised the historical importance of the event:
“As Chief of Malambwe village, I am very happy to see this great ceremony taking place in our village, to make real what was once a dream and is now a reality. I sincerely thank our partner, World Vision.”
One of the most powerful moments of the ceremony was the speech delivered by Prospère, a sixth-grade pupil, whose words expressed both gratitude and a sense of responsibility:
“I thank World Vision for keeping promises that once seemed like a dream and are now a reality. I commit myself to putting into practice my rights and duties as a pupil, by studying in a safe, healthy and respectful environment. I hope our teachers will continue adapting their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of pupils, especially those who are vulnerable or facing difficulties.”
This child’s testimony demonstrates that the reconstruction of EP Muyala goes beyond material improvement. It creates a framework that fosters children’s participation, protection, and inclusion. The ceremony also highlighted the role of the pupils’ committee in raising awareness about child protection, respect for codes of conduct, and children’s right to speak out and report inappropriate behaviour.
Beyond the physical infrastructure, three modern classrooms, adapted sanitation facilities, and six boreholes providing safe water, a strong community dynamic is taking shape. Authorities, local structures, parents and children now share a common vision: sustainable, protective, and child-centred development.
In Malambwe, the reconstructed EP Muyala is not merely a new building. It embodies a change of trajectory. For more than 700 pupils, it offers a dignified and secure place to learn. For the community, it stands as a tangible symbol of hope and progress.