The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives. We are physically isolating ourselves, while doing our best to support our loved ones, friends, colleagues and the sick and suffering.
In industrialized countries, we have the means to communicate virtually but, for most families living in developing countries, it is a completely different matter. How will they be able to bear a period of confinement when already worried about having enough food or finding a doctor? These stressful times lead me to feel a great sense of gratitude for health professionals and so many others working tirelessly to care for those in need.
In this Spring’s newsletter, you will see that together, we are improving the lives of many people in many countries. We are determined to do even more. Thank you for joining us to help thousands of people around the world through LINCCO’s projects.
In March 2020, LINCCO supported four Ugandan medical camps that offer vital services: St-Kizito Nattyole－dental care, St-Francis Revival Home－dental and medical care, St-Matia Mulumba Mulaje and St-Claret Kabwohe－medication.
A medical camp in Uganda
Legacy gifts support the start of five new projects!
Thanks to your generosity, 2019 was a record year for LINCCO! Not only did we meet the targets set annually for our seven ongoing projects, but also we were able to provide one-time support to five other projects from four different countries through the legacy and donations received.
We are pleased to share more information on our 2019 projects and the powerful impact they are having in their communities!
South Africa—90 students to benefit from STEM program
Since 2014, the Komati Centre has been running a self-leadership tutorial program at Protea Glen Secondary School, Soweto. The program instills self-leadership and academic skills so that participants can pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Smiling students involved in Komati Centre’s self-leadership tutorial program
Argentina—Educational centre helping vulnerable students
The Cuatro Vientos Educational Centre provides social and humanitarian aid for underprivileged people. The Educational Centre gives students a safe space to do homework, something many students are unable to work on at home.
Cameroon—Nolanga Study Centre
The Nolanga Study Centre offers Project Excellence: an academic reinforcement program for high school students without resources. Each boy is personally monitored by a tutor.
The Nolanga Study Centre also offers the "Milk and Biscuits" program, which provides snacks, education and a little joy to children from Yaoundé's distressed neighbourhoods.
Students enjoying the Milk and Biscuits program
Trinidad & Tobago—Supporting migrant students from Venezuela
A growing number of displaced Venezuelans are landing in Trinidad and Tobago. These migrants face many challenges: students are far behind academically, many are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and almost all face language barriers as they try to adapt to a new country.
LINCCO has assumed the admission costs for three students from Venezuela to attend Trimont College in 2020. The college offers a bilingual Spanish program that will greatly help the new students adapt. Our partner in Trindad and Tobago reports that the students are grateful for and excited by this opportunity. Thanks to the support of their parents, and the dedication of their teachers, the students are well-settled and making progress.
Cocktail Fundraiser gives hope to female students in Ivory Coast
Supporters enjoying the cocktail party in support of female students in Ivory Coast
In November 2019, LINCCO held a successful cocktail fundraiser at the Pavillon Desjardins of Laval University in Quebec City. This annual cocktail party raised $7,000 to benefit our project in Ivory Coast. The funds will allow 22 female students to continue their studies at Ilomba School, which helps young girls who had previously dropped out of school.
Christmas Basket Campaign for Ivorian families
A family in Ivory Coast, delighted with their Christmas basket
Once again this year, many of you participated in the annual Christmas Basket Campaign for Ivorian families in need. The campaign supported families in three neighbourhoods:
Abobo neighborhood－About 100 people in need were invited to a beautiful family celebration with dancing and games. The baskets were filled with rice, chicken, canned tomatoes, sardines, oil, and some sweets and toys for the children. The families returned home filled with joy.
Cocody Neighbourhood－Many residents of this neighbourhood, who live in houses with no windows, no doors and water, were surprised and delighted to receive food and clothing from our volunteers. The volunteers, in turn, were touched by the hospitality they received.
Bingerville rural area－More than 30 families received a Christmas basket at a family party held near the village of M'Batto Bouaké. The children were overjoyed when they received their toy!
All these benefits are made possible thanks to the generous donors of LINCCO. For all the support you have been giving…Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Successful Cocktail Fundraiser for the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Cocktail Fundraiser in support of ISSI students was a great success!
On November 6, 2019, LINCCO held a cocktail fundraiser at La Classe restaurant in Montreal in support of our project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mrs. Carole Groleau successfully directed this annual fundraising activity, which raised $12,000 for nursing scholarships at the Institut Supérieur en Sciences Infirmières (ISSI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Thank you to the many volunteers, including the owner of AVANTI, who helped set up our auction table and gave our supporters a gift bag as a sign of appreciation. The wonderful evening was topped off by the excellent singer, Daniel Bolduc, who inspired guests to take a turn on the dance floor.
