September 2008
When the dust settled I was thrilled with what the team of engineers had accomplished. Eleven men and women gave their time and resources to spend 10 days with us on the Elikia site to help build the Master Plan for the very first Elikia Village in Congo. Engineers, architects, and an urban planner pulled off an amazing feat in spite of the typical “African” mishaps and detours in the road. Their passion and excitement for the work was a tremendous encouragement to me and each had a story to tell of the journey that had brought them there.
Hard to believe the time has come and gone so quickly! They are all home now in their different parts of the world continuing their work on the Plan which will culminate in a final presentation in January 2009 in Vancouver, Canada!
Elikia Village is now an official NGO here in Congo!
Yes, after beginning the paperwork in February it is now complete! The umbrella organization we initially came to Congo under has given us it’s blessing and will continue to be involved as partners of Elikia. All are pleased with this step and have great hope for the future!
June 2008
The first building was completed on our Elikia site! It will serve the security team and also be used for storage of tools etc. We are very excited to see this day come! The rest of the site planning will be in September when a Canadian team of engineers and architects visit Elikia - eMi. Their work begins on site and finishes after 3 months work in Canada. Presentation of the Elikia Master Plan is due in January 2009!
Team Elikia – Congo
Many great progress photos were lost in a computer crash, so sad .. but here is the end result!
Inside the house …
More signs were painted – now a total of 14 marking the boundaries of our 11 hectare site!
Signs on metal …
Signs on material …
Florence is a part of our Elikia General Assembly here in Congo. A wonder lady with a passion for the work!
May 2008
A turbulent month of heavy rains and incredible lightning storms ushered in the dry/cool season! This plays havoc with work schedules and progress but step by step things were accomplished!
Finally a seat in the back of our vehicle! Hand made by Poto, it folds up to make room for large loads. Enjoying this soft seat is my neighbour, Shadrach:)
Boundaries cleared again .. a constant job for our security team.
More signs painted and cemented in place.
Kasava plants, amoung others, were planted to be food for our security team.
APRIL 2008
2 much needed windows were installed by … yes, you guessed it, Poto!
A job well done Poto! What would we do without you?!
MARCH 2008
ELIKIA VIDEO PROMO COMPLETED!
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO JEREMY HUNKA WHO PUT HIS LIFE ON HOLD FOR 3 MONTHS TO COME AND SHOOT THIS VIDEO …. MAY THIS EXPERIENCE BE THE FIRST OF MANY ON LOCATION AROUND THE WORLD AS YOU PURSUE YOUR PASSION IN JOURNALISM! THANK YOU!
ALSO IN MARCH …
Our boundaries were cleared for the second time … a 2 week process
Cement columns carried …
And cemented in place with steel posts and signs.
Our second attempt at clearly marking the boundaries of our 30 acre site.
ALSO IN MARCH …
Doors and windows in …
Inside walls nicely finished …
Both windows and door made by our talented on site manager, Poto …
FEBRUARY 2008
Elikia Promo being filmed … by Jeremy Hunka
Security house nearing completion.
JANUARY 2008
Construction finally begins on our security house! We purchased cement and made our own bricks.
