A family-founded charity building the first community library in Lemba, Kinshasa — two kilometres from the University of Kinshasa. Construction is underway, currently paused while we save for the next phase.
Fondation LoLa was born from a family conversation. One of our founders grew up in Edmonton, borrowing books by the armful. Another grew up in Lemba, in a Kinshasa neighbourhood where the public library most children needed simply did not exist.
So the family did the obvious thing. They turned the childhood home into a library — two kilometres from the University of Kinshasa, walking distance for students who today have nowhere quiet to study.
Today, Fondation LoLa is run by relatives — teachers, a medical doctor, a business executive — who pooled what they had and learned the rest. We are deliberately small. We meet over Sunday coffee. Every donor dollar goes to construction and books. The family covers operations.
We started in 2024. Here are the four numbers that matter most — the good, the still-needed, and the proof we're real.
We're not where we hoped to be by now — and we'd rather tell you that plainly than dress it up. Construction is paused. Here's the full picture.
Childhood home carefully dismantled, retaining the foundation footprint.
Structural foundation begun with $9K from Indiegogo + family. Saving for the next push.
Brick walls, roof, doors, and windows. Begins when phase 2 wraps.
Furniture, shelving, electrical, plumbing, and the first wave of books.
Programs begin. Telecom partner activates internet & tablets. Doors open.
NBA Champion · Congolese-born
An NBA Champion lending his voice and platform to amplify the library's mission. A reminder that opportunity multiplies when home gives back.
Internet + tablets at opening
A Kinshasa telecom company has pledged high-speed internet and a starter set of tablets — activated the day the doors open.
Digital library platform
The international NGO Libraries Without Borders is prepared to power our digital library platform once construction is complete.
$9K raised in 2025
The campaign closed. The gratitude has not. Every backer's name will go on the Wall of Thanks inside the library, the day we open.
In this community, resources for students are often limited. The library will create a safe place to gather, learn, and dream.
Donations go straight to construction. Tax receipts are issued instantly through CanadaHelps. Every contribution — large or small — moves us closer to opening day.
Tax receipts issued instantly · Charity #758770812RR0001
Most foundations and major donors have told us they'd rather help once construction is done. We hear you. Drop your email and we'll let you know the moment the library opens — no pressure, no follow-ups, just one note when the doors swing open.