Nursing School: Women's Dorms Campaign

Design for the proposed women's dorms

Friends,
Now that The United Methodist Church's long postponed General Conference has finally reached its end, the FPM team can focus on what comes next, and that is the construction of a women's dormitory at the El Dorado Nursing School in Mulongo, DR Congo (click here for Google Maps location). 

2024 Fundraising Priority
The El Dorado Nursing School—the only medical school in its region—has been a tremendous success since its opening over 15 years ago. Not only has it trained nurses and midwives who now manage a network of village clinics, thanks to El Dorado's women's scholarship program, female nurses have gone from being nearly nonexistent to leading a sizable network of healthcare centers.

One of the main challenges our female students face, however, is finding safe and affordable housing within commuting distance from the school. As our student numbers swell, the problem increases. Hence the need for a women's dormitory complex on campus. 

Projected Dorm Construction Expenses:
In 2024, construction engineer David Wakungelani was brought in to calculate the overall projected expenses for the building of a dormitory that could house 48 female students. Based on current material and transport costs, he concluded that it would take $145,026 to fully finish (including electrical) the project. By subtracting in-kind contributions of the students and local church (sand, stones, bricks, etc.), Rev. Joseph Mulongo believes the two buildings could be completed for under $69,000. We hope to complete the first dormitory in 2024.

Our 2024 goal is to raise $35,000 for the first wing (housing 24 students) and to be able to continue to offer scholarships to all the school’s female students. 

Women’s Dormitories:

• $3,000: Sponsor the construction and full furnishing of one dorm room for two students 
• $100: Contribute eight bags of cement (yes, it is that expensive to get cement to Mulongo)
• $30: Contribute one roofing sheet

Women’s Scholarships:

• $500 and $200 annual scholarships

Click to read more about the nursing school and its history.

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Blueprint for first dormitory wing. Each of the 12 rooms would be shared by two students (bunk beds)