The funds raised are intended for a project aimed at improving living conditions in Lodja, Congo, with a specific focus on access to clean drinking water. The organization Hart voor Congo, founded by Okoya Tambwe, who lives in Loenhout, is dedicated to her hometown.
The primary school Losomo Ewala currently lacks its own water supply. Children fetch water from a source and bring it to school in canisters. The project plans to drill a well on the school grounds, including a water reservoir and solar panels for pumping, with an estimated cost of 12,000 euros.
During the sponsored run, pupils from ’t Blokje ran as many one-kilometer laps as possible for an hour. They could be sponsored per lap or for a fixed amount. The event raised 7,500 euros, more than half of the required amount.
Okoya Tambwe visited the classrooms beforehand to explain the necessity of the water well and accepted the 7,500 euro cheque after the run.
This is not the first time ’t Blokje has supported the school in Lodja. Four years ago, the school organized a similar sponsored run for Hart voor Congo, which helped fund new, hygienic toilets. Pupils will later be able to see the project's progress through photos and videos.
