Troops from the fourth contingent of the Kenya Quick Reaction Force (KENQRF 4), serving under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), have today inaugurated two newly constructed classrooms at the Institut Eringeti à Mavivi in Beni Territory, North Kivu Province.
The project, initiated and built from the ground up by the Kenyan contingent — spearheaded by the Anglican Church of KENQRF — in close collaboration with local residents, began on 24 October 2025 when Contingent Commander Lieutenant Colonel Simon Seda officiated the groundbreaking ceremony. The soldiers then worked side by side with the community for weeks to complete the structures.
The dilapidated condition of the secondary school had caused its student population to decline drastically to just nineteen learners from forty-five at the start of 2025. With the new classrooms, the school is now expected to witness a sharp rise in enrollment as parents regain confidence in its safety and quality. Already, two students who had left have returned.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the local chief expressed deep gratitude to the peacekeepers, noting that the new classrooms symbolize stability, partnership, and renewed hope for the youth of Mavivi.
During the ceremony — in which the troops also provided backpacks to the twenty-one students — Lieutenant Colonel Seda reaffirmed KENQRF’s commitment to civilian protection, explaining that improving access to education is a critical part of creating a safer and more resilient community.
“Education is a pillar of peace. By building these classrooms, we are investing in the future of this community. We worked hand in hand with you in bringing this dream to fruition, and today we celebrate what unity can achieve,” he stated.
His sentiments were echoed by the Head of Civil–Military Cooperation activities at the Force Intervention Brigade, under whose umbrella KENQRF operates, Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Soko, who lauded KENQRF for the well-thought-out and timely intervention.
Mr. Baluku Yamba, the head teacher of the school, hailed the project as a “lifeline,” saying the new classrooms will not only provide a conducive learning environment but also restore dignity to teachers and learners.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Mr. Kibwana Wasuka, who spoke on behalf of the local chief, Bakola Mzee Bakola. He added that the return of students to the school would help transform the fortunes of the community in the days ahead.
Speaking on behalf of the KENQRF Anglican Church, Major Joshuah Wahome thanked all soldiers for their generous contributions toward the success of the project and extended his appreciation to the local church in Mavivi for their collaboration. “The best religion is humanity,” he underscored
The inauguration marks a major step in supporting education and rebuilding trust in an area long affected by insecurity, complementing revitalized efforts by MONUSCO to pursue peace in eastern DRC.
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