Foundation News
November 18, 2023
11th Anniversary Celebration!
Thank you to the members of the Marie Mambu Makaya Foundation, who made possible 11 years of working for orphans in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The anniversary celebration was made possible by our members and sponsored by local businesses and human rights organizations.
Many thanks to our sponsors Aldea, Shipley Energy, Atlas Printing, and Peace Promise Consulting. Through their support they are demonstrating their commitment to a better world.
Makaya speaks to Anniversary party guests
Shane Sanders, the evening’s MC
Makaya with supporters Sydnee Williams and her mother Lori Williams
September 2023
The Kids Start School!
Today, your first day of school, is the beginning of an exciting journey! You will be out in the world and you will learn wonderful things about your world and those around you. We are proud of you!
May 2023
Special Visitor from the U.S.!
Megan Goins, American University School of International Service alumna, traveled to Kinshasa to visit the orphan children at the Marie Mambu Makaya Foundation.
Megan holds a Master’s degree in International Peace and Conflict Resolution.
She was welcomed by the Kinshasa team led by Director Carin Makaya. Everyone worked in concert to make sure that Megan had a memorable and joyful visit.
We thank you Megan for your service and moral courage.
Thanks for being so dedicated and hard-working in defending the orphans and children of Congo DRC.
Together, we are changing their lives for the better. One child at the time.
May 2023
Medical Team Visits from France
A few years ago Dr. Patrick was the premier healthcare provider for our children. Today he brought his team from France to visit the children and blessed them with toys and clothing. Many thanks to the Patrick Bemi Foundation. We greatly appreciate your support and your kindness.
Dr. Patrick, you are quietly saving lives. We are grateful that you brought your attention and that of your staff to our children. We thank you!
September 2022
To Our Volunteers and Supporters
From the Board of Directors, advisory board, and supporters, we thank you!Thanks for being so dedicated and hard-working in defending the orphans and children of Congo DRC.
Together, we are changing their lives for the better. One child at the time.
May 2022
Successful 24th Annual Sheep Shearing Event
To our volunteers and supporters:
The 24th annual sheep-shearing event couldn’t have been as successful without your involvement. We appreciate you and everything you do!
There are millions of orphans of war in Congo DRC. Unfortunately, it’s difficult for us to save all these children at once. There are financial problems and armed conflicts in the region. According to the UN, there are more than 100 armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), yet, historically, the DRC and the international community have not referred to these armed groups as terrorists for political reasons.
But because of our volunteers and supporters good will, the Marie Mambu Makaya Foundation has been taking in and raising one orphaned baby at a time, providing safety, security, healthcare, education, and nutritious food.
The Foundation has also assisted thousands of orphans around the Congo DRC and provided aid to Congolese senior citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In our 10 years of existence the Marie Mambu Makaya Foundation’s many activities wouldn’t be possible without your support.
Special thanks to Tammy Mankey and to the Patton Veterinary Hospital for offering their staff to assist in this event.
Warmly, Makaya
March 2022
Douglas MacKenzie voted Vice President of the Makaya Foundation
I am pleased to announce that the Board of Directors of the Marie Mambu Makaya Foundation has elected one of my late father’s best friends, Douglas Mackenzie, to be Vice President of the organization.
We are profoundly grateful for Vice President Mackenzie’s consistent contributions and unwavering commitment to the vision and mission of the Marie Mambu Makaya Foundation.
As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of our foundation, we recognize that our Vice President has been traveling with us in this journey of empathy and kindness from day one. In the years of his service to improve the lives of orphaned children of Congo DRC, he has worn many hats, including those of mentor, financial advisor, and advocate.
As a husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, Vice President Mackenzie leads with honesty, discipline, and always love.
Thank you, Doug MacKenzie, for your service.
Warmly, Makaya
December 2021
Makaya tells his story to York Academy students
November 2021
York Dispatch Interview with Makaya
Refugee shares story of journey to America, encourages advocacy for others
Makaya Revell began his journey at the age of 16, after his father and brother were killed. Nearly 20 years later, he is still working to become a U.S. citizen and encourages others to advocate for other refugees as well.
August 2021
Sad News
Anny Bipendu Kabongo
We wish Mrs Kabongo a peaceful journey. We send our thoughts and prayers to her husband, seven children, and all her family and friends.
Mrs. Kabongo was known for her love of God, for being an exceptional mother, and for being a human rights activist. She fought with us during our struggle in defending the rights of orphaned children of Congo DRC and beyond.
Special condolences go to her son Hervé Ilunga Kabongo, who is part of our Marie Mambu Makaya family. He serves as a Security Guard at the orphanage.
July 2021
Thank You Message from Makaya Revell
To our supporters from Congo DRC, United States, and around the world. Thank you for your generosity to our mission and vision.
Makaya Revell, Founder
Images below: York College students visit the Foundation office in York, PA. (left), Our staff in Congo DRC on their way to assist senior citizens (center and right)
May 2021
The Children Have a Day Out!
Orphaned children of war have the right to be raised well and to become productive and contributing members of their societies.
Yesterday was the first time our children went outside of the orphanage to explore the city they call home, Kinshasa Congo DRC.
We thank our team and the Kinshasa Police Department for making this trip possible and safe.
The children went to downtown Kinshasa, and they spent some time at the zoo for their first zoology lesson. And, of course, they made some friends too.
It was an awesome day!
Warmly, Makaya
May 2021
Foundation News
The Marie Mambu Makaya Foundation’s mission, vision, and values remain strong.
From April 2020 to May 2021 we raised $37,000. We also received donations sufficient to purchase a city bus, the profits of which will go to the Foundation.
We are thankful to our supporters for your generous donations. Our mission remains strong because of you. Thank you.
April 2021
Commemoration of the Death of Marie Makaya
Today our advocacy group, faith based community, and supporters gathered at our orphanage in Congo DRC to commemorate the death of Marie Makaya, which took place 16 years ago.
April 2021
Happy Birthday Elizabeth and Patrick
Dear Friends of the Marie Mambu Makaya Foundation,
We are humbly asking you for support at this time. Your generous donation is crucial to our vision, mission, values. Because of your support, since 2012 our foundation has assisted thousands of orphans in Congo DRC.
Our goal is to support basic human rights for the children. That includes: the right to life, to a safe environment, to education, clean water, nutritious food, security, and protection from discrimination.
Our children at the orphanage each know that they’re number one. And when birthdays come they all celebrate equally.
Happy Birthday to Ms. Elizabeth and Mr. Patrick. We love you all!
February 2021
Good Day Philadelphia Interviews Makaya and and Elizabeth Revell
January 2021
York Daily Record article about Makaya and Elizabeth Revell:
“His first mother saw a light in him. He’s fighting now to help other children shine too.”
I want to thank everyone who took the time to read, contact me and share the article that was written about me in the York Daily Record.
As a first born of the family, I believe that I was born with responsibility to protect and serve not only my family but my community and country. I am aware that my defined purpose will not succeed without the support of my family, friends, and strangers.
I am humbled by your positive support, encouragement, and love.
Makaya Revell
December 2020
Giving Tuesday
On Giving Tuesday of 2020 we raised more than $5000.
We want to thank you for your donations and support for our mission and vision. Because of your donations the children are growing up intelligent, healthy, and strong. And we are able to advocate for orphans around the Congo DRC and beyond through advocating for policies in their interests and through public speaking.
Special thanks to those who worked to create this campaign: Patricia Dunlap, Olivia Guyer, Beth Harlacher and her daughter Lori, and Dr. Elizabeth Revell.
It’s a unique privilege to assist these orphans of war. Without you our vision, mission, and values would not be possible.
Thank you.
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Makaya Revell receives Youth Hero Award!
Today I received my Youth Hero’s’ Award from the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace.
My message to youth is that humility, self-discipline, empathy, forgiveness, compassion and love must always be your guiding principles as you navigate through this life. Your attitude towards your life today will be the reality of your country tomorrow.
Beware of xenophobia, homophobia, tribalism, racism, and arrogance. Never hesitate to defend your fellow men and all God’s creations.
In all humility I know that it will require a lifetime to live up to this honor. I can only hope that I can inspire other young people along the way.
November 2020
Makaya Foundation Partners with Central Kafeke Hospital in Kinshasa, Congo DRC
The Congo War, also known as Africa’s First World War, was an attack on our existence and way of life. The perpetrators and genociders used rape as a weapon of war to dismantle the Congolese people and its society. The Marie Mambu Makaya Foundation has been assisting those affected by this conflict. We are focusing on the most vulnerable, the orphaned children.
Today we are partnering with Central Kafeke Hospital in Kinshasa, Congo DRC, for our children’s health care. We are thankful to our team, Doctor John and the medical staff.
October 2020
President Makuba Evie Visits our Congo DRC Office
President Makuba Evie, we thank you and your team for visiting our office in Congo DRC and for your generous donation to our foundation. Mr. President, as you have observed, we are the ones who must be the practitioners in defending the rights and privileges of orphans of Congo DRC and beyond.
We thank you for supporting our vision and mission. The road to sustainable peace is long and hard. But with the power of organized efforts, love, consistency, and patience we will prevail. We look forward to working with you and your team!
Good morning Mr. Patrick!
“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.”
Amelia Earhart
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January 2020
Did you know we now accept in kind donations like diapers, clothes and toys?
Get the details here.
March 2019
Our first babies have arrived!
We want to thank you for your continued help for orphans of Democratic Republic Of Congo. Your support and your faith in us is bearing fruit. Pictured above is our first little girl and our twin boys. These are children from Goma in the eastern Congo. Their parents were murdered in a raid on their village. But thanks to all of you, they will have a safe and secure place, food to eat, education and lots of love!
As you know, raising children requires money: money for food and water, electricity, healthcare, education, security, and caregivers. Your help is crucially needed at this time as we welcome these children.
Please visit this link to make a donation.
November 2018
Makaya appears with other refugees in this advertisement for Amnesty International highlighting their Longer Table Project.
December 2017
Because of the love and support of contributors to the Marie Mambu Makaya Foundation, several Kinshasa orphanages were able to celebrate Christmas by having a hot meal, entertainment, and Christmas gifts, some for the first time in their lives. All of this was provided by our Foundation.
These children have witnessed traumatic events most of us can’t even imagine, from the rape and murder of their parents to the destruction of their villages. The suffering of these young victims of the “African World War” is unimaginable. But today they had a new and wonderful experience, and for this we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Special thanks to those who made the event happen: our Director of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Pasky Kabongo; Dr. Abel Leon Kalambayi, Central Africa Regional Director; Congo DRC director Marie France Mbiya; Director of Media and Communications Mr. Carin Makaya; Mrs. Beatrice Nzeba and Feza Esperance, kitchen crew leader. And last but not least Tintin and Mbinzo were the entertainers and comedians.
March 2015
View Makaya Revell’s keynote presentation at the third annual York College of Pennsylvania High School Model United Nations Conference on Saturday, March 21, 2015.
December 2014
Land Donation! We have the wonderful good fortune of having obtained a donation of land from Dr. Abel Leon Kalambayi Kabongo and his wife Beatrice. This land is in the town of Mbanza Ngungu, in the western Congo located on the main road between the capital of Kinshasa and the major seaport of Matadi. This is an ideal location for several reasons. First and most important, it is one of the safer areas in the country. Second, it is in a good place to receive goods shipped into Matadi and to make trips to the capital when we need to. Third, it has a very good climate. It is in a higher elevation and it a bit cooler than the valleys or forests.
June 2014
Marie France Mbiya Kalambayi was named our official representative in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Who We Are
Marie Mambu Makaya Foundation
1120 Range Road
York PA 17406
Copyright 2014-2024
Contact
Phone: 717-840-1356
Office Hours: Tues-Fri, 10AM – 3:30PM
makaya@makayafoundation.org elizabeth@makayafoundation.org