Building Phase 2 of 5 in Lemba, Kinshasa $80K to open the doors · Target 2027 Tax receipts issued instantly via CanadaHelps Backed by NBA Champion DJ Mbenga Building Phase 2 of 5 in Lemba, Kinshasa $80K to open the doors · Target 2027 Tax receipts issued instantly via CanadaHelps Backed by NBA Champion DJ Mbenga
What we're building

One library now.
A network next. Patiently.

Our flagship is the Lemba Community Library — a real building on a real corner. Around it, four programs that together turn a building into a place.

The flagship

Lemba Community Library.

A two-storey neighbourhood library in Righini, Lemba, built on the foundation of the family's childhood home. Open shelves, a children's corner, a quiet study room, and Wi-Fi for older students preparing for university.

Floors
2
Target opening
2027
From UNIKIN
2 km
Build phase
2 of 5
See build progress
When the doors open

What the library will actually do.

A library is more than a building of books. Below is the operating plan for the day we open — what students walk in and find.

📚

Open shelf collection

Books in French, Lingala, Kikongo, and English. Children's, young adult, reference, and study texts aligned with the local curriculum.

📡

Free high-speed internet

Wi-Fi for any student who walks in. Pre-committed by a local telecom partner, activated the day we open.

💻

Computers & tablets

A starter set of tablets from our telecom partner, plus desktops for digital literacy classes and university applications.

🤫

A quiet study room

The thing most students don't have at home. Long tables, soft light, no music. For exam season and beyond.

👶

Children's corner

A bright, low-shelf reading area for the youngest visitors. Story hours, reading circles, and a climb-up couch.

🎓

UNIKIN bridge programs

Geographically positioned to serve university students. Study groups, exam prep, and a place between class and home.

The four pillars

One library is the start. Not the finish.

Once the flagship is open, three more programs grow out from it — outreach, digital, and direct literacy. Each runs from the Lemba site and extends into the surrounding community.

02
Mobile Library OutreachBegins post-opening
Books delivered to schools and corners of Lemba that cannot easily reach us. A mobile shelf, a librarian, a weekly schedule. Starts once the flagship is operational.
Roadmap
03
Digital Learning CentreTelecom partner secured
Computers, supervised internet, and digital literacy classes for older students preparing for university or work. Built with our telecom partner's pre-committed equipment.
Partner secured
04
Literacy CirclesBegins post-opening
After-school reading circles, homework help, and partnerships with Lemba-district teachers. Direct literacy work, run from inside the library.
Roadmap
Where the money goes

The full build budget.

Originally costed at $83,500 to bring the library from foundation to opening day. Below is what each line item covers — exactly as published on Indiegogo.

Construction completionWalls, roof, electrical, plumbing, finishing
$51,000
FurnitureShelving, tables, chairs, children's corner
$30,000
Tech & equipmentComputers, tablets, printers
$8,000
Staff trainingLibrarian, programs, safety
$3,500
Total to open
$92,500

$8,847 raised on Indiegogo · ~$80,000 still needed · Family covers all administrative & operating costs.

In our corner

Backed by people who know the work.

Project Ambassador

DJ (Didier) Mbenga

NBA Champion · Congolese-born

An NBA Champion lending his voice and platform to amplify the library's mission. His official involvement upon completion will bring global visibility — and a reminder that opportunity multiplies when home gives back.

Pre-committed

Local telecom partner

High-speed internet and a starter set of tablets. Activated the day the library opens.

Pre-committed

Bibliothèques Sans Frontières

The international NGO Libraries Without Borders is prepared to support our digital library platform once construction is complete.

Backers

Indiegogo community

Over 100 backers contributed $8,847 in our 2025 campaign. Every name will be on the Wall of Thanks.

Heart-warming

A grade 3 bake sale

An 8-year-old supporter rallied his classmates. The school held a bake sale on January 15, 2025. Every bit counts — see the story on our Progress page.

Get involved

Help us bring the
flagship across the line.

Every dollar lays bricks. Tax receipts issued instantly through CanadaHelps.