The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the fundraising strategies, particularly a charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, leading toward the construction of an innovative Bilingual School of Leadership (BSL) in the D.R. Congo (Africa). The objective is to engage conference participants in a critical thinking of the funding mechanisms to implement the BSL project. Located in Tanzania, towering at a height of 19,340 feet at sea level, Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. The BSL – located in the town of Kikwit (D.R.C) aims “to educate bilingual ethical leaders of tomorrow, fluent in both French and English, trained in critical thinking skills and concerns for the common good, to become change making entrepreneurs in their communities, the country and the world.” Help Kikwit, 501(c), the nonprofit sponsor of (BSL) has partnered with 1,000 Shades of Green Tour & Safari Co. to organize a 15-day trip (including a safari tour) for 40 nature-loving individuals to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro at no profit. Each person is given the opportunity to raise between $5K to $10K of which 65% goes to the construction of BSL and 35% to cover the climber’s in-country expenses. With the $400,000 raised from individual climbers, along with corporate sponsorship, we will be able to break ground for the Bilingual School of Leadership of KIKWIT by July 2024. Yet, the Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation has pledged a matching grant of $100,000 for this project. Conference participants will critique these and other funding strategies.

Authors:
Jean-Pierre Bongila, University of St. Thomas, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Jean-Pierre Bongila is currently professor of Educational Leadership at the University of St. Thomas, MN (USA). His fields of interest include cross-cultural leadership. He is engaged in building a Bilingual School of Leadership in D.R. Congo.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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