Exciting New School For Congo

Mark your calendar now for a special event March 1. That's when Studio MDA unveils the architectural model of the new school being built by the Georges Malaika Foundation in the village of Kalebuka in Katanga Province. The school is a big step forward for the foundation spearheaded by international model Noella Coursaris Musunka, who broke ground for it just last year.

The school is the first of many the foundation hopes to build to give Congolese girls a solid educational experience. Their dedication and "can-do" attitude has produced results, not just press releases, which is one big reason I support GMF.

Students of the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation conducted extensive research to develop a model for educational institutions when they visited the school site last year. Their plan holds great promise for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Education has suffered greatly in the nation as ongoing conflict in many regions drains the country's resources.

In addition to the unveiling of the school's model, attendees will hear Matthew Bishop, NY Bureau Chief for the Economist and Khaliah Ali, dedicated humanitarian and daughter of boxer Muhammad Ali.

The event will be Monday, March 1, from 6 to 8 pm at the James Cohan Gallery, 533 West 26th Street in Manhattan. For more information, contact GMF at rsvp@gmfafrica.org.

Dave Donelson, author of Heart of Diamonds a romantic thriller about blood diamonds in the Congo.