The girls from Mama Tola Secondary School took time to introduce visitors to their favorite games, showcasing the joyful and spirited environment at the school.

Origins and Mission

Founding of the School

Mama Tola Secondary School was established in the 1960s by Lorena Kelly, a Methodist missionary from Western North Carolina. While working in the Congo, Lorena was honored with the name Mama Tola—a designation that has become a respected tradition for missionaries in the region.

Evolution and Purpose

The school began as an institution exclusively for girls but has since grown into a co-educational secondary school. Its mission centers on delivering a comprehensive education and providing students with training that prepares them for a variety of future pursuits.

Curriculum and Training

Students at Mama Tola Secondary School engage in a broad curriculum that covers academic subjects alongside practical disciplines such as sewing, cooking, and technology. These programs are intended to furnish students with crucial skills and knowledge for their future careers and personal growth.

Student Aspirations and Voices

During a visit to the school, Susie Keefer—a US Partner member—spoke with several students about their ambitions after graduation. One student shared her goal of attending university to become an interpreter; another, who excels in sewing, hopes to open her own sewing business. A third student, passionate about biology and the study of the human body, plans to pursue a career as a doctor. These conversations highlighted how children from this small, remote village possess dreams and aspirations that are just as compelling and diverse as those of young people around the world.