African Sister City Rep Participates in FC Activities

Albert Lokasola, a representative of Falls Church’s African sister city, Kokolopori, Democratic Republic of Congo, has been a busy man the past two weeks.  A leader in Congo’s efforts to conserve nature while improving living standards, Lokasola has had packed days meeting with Falls Church officials, making presentations to residents, attending summer concerts at Cherry Hill Park, and even joining in Independence Day readings.

At every stop, he informs Falls Church residents of their contributions to his home town.

“Falls Church has done a lot for Kokolopori,” he said over a bowl of ice cream at Cherry Hill Park.  ”We never had a doctor before we began our sister city relationship with you, but now we do because of your help.  You have provided support for our schools, support for university students.  You have done a lot, and it means a great deal to us.”  (See previous story for additional details on Kokolopori and its partnership with Falls Church.)

Coming at a time that the U.S. President visits Africa, Lokasola has provided a kind of exchange program for Falls Church residents.  HIs presence at 4th of July activities was particularly poignant, considering the treatment of his ancestors who were brought to the New World hundreds of years ago.

The Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society, which hosted the Independence Day readings in Council Chambers, invited Lokasola to participate.

Lokasola will address the Falls Church City Council Monday night and will wrap up his public events at a $25-per-person fundraiser for Kokolopori Tuesday at 7:30 pm at local specialty food shop Red, White & Bleu.