Kinshasa

July 2015 Democratic Republic of the Congo

From Brazzaville we departed on a ferry across the Congo River to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kinshasa is the third largest city on the African continent and is often called the music capital of Africa for it’s popular music, ‘Ndombolo.’ Yet despite its musically-infused culture and rich abundance of natural resources, the Congolese civil wars left the city lacking in infrastructure and development.

Our Kinshasa mission mainly took place at the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, which was founded by former NBA All-Star and Foundation friend Dikembe Mutombo, who was born in the DRC. In addition to Mutombo, Cindy McCain also joined us. She helped us fit 77-year old Regine who immediately started dancing when her hearing aids were turned on.

On our fourth day, we visited Kibondo orphanage located just outside Kinshasa. Kibonodo was founded 33 years ago by Mama Koko, now 93, who has made it her mission to give orphans a home. With more than 800 children, the orphanage also includes an exclusive department for children with special needs, it’s own school, a hospital and nursery. We spent the day fitting and engaging with the kids, relishing the smiles of those who heard for the first time!

Special Thanks

Pros for Africa: Bill Horn; OKC Thunder Communications: Brian and Judy Davis; Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, Inc.: Dikembe Mutombo; Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital: Dr. Hugo Mosha; Hearing Healthcare Centers: Dr. Whitney Swander, Jeff Swander, Jill True; Applied Merchant Systems: Jonathan Severn; Be Own Sports: Aly Samabaly; Maisara Murekatete; Samuel Ndibwirende; Jean Pierre Manirafasha; Dr. Malick Diop; Cindy McCain; Patrick Warburton; Serge Ibaka

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