Samuel Nkailu and Muditu came after breakfast to say goodbye. We sat down on the terrace and talked for a little while. They wanted us to give them ideas for and viewpoints on the work of the Youth House. But it was not a good time to ask us for advice as we were on the move. First, we were on our way to the bank, and then we had some paperwork to do before leaving for Kimpese. We expressed our gratitude for being able to use the Youth House when we train the entrepreneurs. It’s suitable for the course activities. Already, the Youth House accomodates a number of different activities. I suggested that Samuel writes a letter every month in Swedish and in French about the Youth House, and that we publish the letters on the website. Maybe this could give Samuel and Muditu the feedback they wish for. Earlier in the week, Bernt had given Samuel two tubes of Plastic Padding to fix holes in the roofing. We reminded them of our promise from last fall to finance a ceiling for the Youth House.

Then we went to the BIAC bank. Earlier, we had talked to the BIAC deputy managing director Julien Makvuala about transferring $ 21,550 from BIAC to the Nsanda group, which has a bank account in the ProCredit Bank. Mr. Makvuala had told us that the BIAC bank charges 1% of the sum that is to be transferred, a cost that would amount to $ 215 or SEK 1,350 on this occasion. We found this price to be excessive and we decided on an alternative solution. We would simply withdraw all the money in cash and go to the ProCredit Bank, which is known for not taking any charges for its services, where we would make a deposit. No more expenditures than that of the petrol and of course, the BIAC bank withdrawal fee.

Before we left the BIAC bank, we paid a visit to the managing director Erick Tezo to discuss all the bank charges. Besides a monthly fee, the bank also have a deposit as well as a withdrawal fee. I showed him that we have paid $ 250 in different fees to the bank already this year. After a brief exchange of views, he expressed his trust in our activities and their purpose. On the spot, he promised that today’s withdrawal would be free of charge. He also promised to address the issue of the other bank fees with the BIAC Kinshasa managing director. If there won’t be a rapid change we will consider changing banks. Every single dollar is meant for the entrepreneurs.

At the ProCredit Bank we deposited the money into the newly opened Nsanda Group account. When the bank cashier counted the money, he found some dirty $ 100 bills. And some even had a small tear. He didn’t accept it, as orderliness and perfection is king. We had to go back to the BIAC bank to get new bills. Said and done, and on our second try the bills were good enough and got deposited in good hands. For personal use, I withdrew money from a cash machine with my VISA card. It had the exact same functioning as a Swedish cash machine and it worked just fine.

When all this time-consuming money moving business was over, the time was 1 pm and we stoved our bags and things in the car and went to Kimpese. We were five people in Yapeco’s small jeep, in other words it was well packed. Julienne hadn’t been to her home in Luozi since she got back from Sweden. On the road we were stopped by two police checks. Except checking the vehicle and the driver, the police are after money to supplement their salaries. At the first the stop, Yapeco asked the policeman straight out how come he was able to demand money when there were two foreigners in the car. The policeman dropped his request and we continued our trip. The police at the next stop got the same poor result from stopping us.

We arrived in Kimpese at 4 pm, and immediately afterwards dinner was served. Emy came to share the meal with us. To come to Kimpese is lovely, the place is a small oasis. Emy needs more footballs to the Gothia Sport Center. He says that it is very well attended. Footballs are called for.