Thanks to the support of generous friends, family, and corporate sponsors in 2025, Projet Fiondo hosted Mande’s first-ever Christmas Eve movie night and Christmas Day meal with activities for close to 300 local children and youth.
On Christmas Eve, the community gathered in the local church and watched the Jesus film in the local dialect of Tshiluba. For many, it was their first time watching a movie and it was moving to see how engaged they were, cheering as Christ was born.
On Christmas Day, volunteers prepared food and activities—goat, chicken, fish, vegetables, pap, rice, popcorn, and drinks. The day was full of laughter, full plates, and a joy that’s hard to put into words. For a rural village where the day-to-day is often marked by scarcity, we heard the event was truly memorable. We also received words of thanks from parents, community elders and local leaders—not only for the material support, but for the care, recognition, and respect shown toward their children.
Seeing the community together—eating, dancing, and sporting their distinctive red outfits—was incredibly special, and we are grateful for everyone who helped make this possible.
Beyond the Christmas meal, we are now beginning to plan some of the longer-term work we’re passionate about, including agriculture and skills-building initiatives to strengthen food security and support more sustainable community development. While still very early days, the success of the Christmas meal and the way we saw our communities in Canada and Congo come together to make it happen affirmed to us that exciting things are possible in Lomami Province.
We are filled with hope for the future.
