“My name is Pengeli Damiye. I lived in Kaboneke Mountains. I heard about PIPES when they
came to the mountains to preach to us. They came with gifts and, more importantly, told us about
Jesus Christ. I was excited when it was announced in our local church that our friends from
America through PIPES International would be helping us to resettle in Bwange village. My heart
leaped with joy upon hearing this great news. I could not help but cry, remembering the suffering
my family had gone through due to our state of homelessness.”

Pengeli was among the first group of the pygmy families whom PIPES International evacuated from the forest at a place that is the highest peak of the Island called Kaboneke Mountains. This was in 2013. He was determined to grasp this opportunity and improve his life and that of his family. He became active from the inception, and today he is a role model to the rest of the pygmies, and his focus and determination have impacted many native residents positively.
 
He has set very high standards in farming and set a good example by taking his kids to school. In addition, he has shown unwavering commitment to God and has even initiated some personal projects. He keeps goats, poultry and feeds his family comfortably. Pengeli is indeed a living testimony.

After the land had been divided and portions allocated to them, Mr. Pengeli set his mind on changing his life and family for good. He was always attentive when instructions were issued, mainly on building better houses and land utilization. Within a few months, with assistance from PIPES, Mr. Pengeli had already built a three-roomed house and a pit latrine. He had also begun working on his farm and had planted bananas, beans, cassava, arrowroots, maize, and different kind of fruits which were doing pretty well. He had also started to rear pigs, goats, and chickens.

Through this, he has been able to feed his family and make sure that his children go to school. The visitors always take note of his outstanding performance. He has stood out as a role model to his fellow pygmy community at Bwange. He is always at a loss for words whenever he is interviewed. His words are always "Aksante PIPES na Mungu awabariki" (Thank you, PIPES, and God bless you).

Mr. Pengeli now lives with his family at Bwange village, attends church services at the nearby Church, Eglise Gloire de Dieu, and is an active member. He has six children, and four of them are attending school. Like many others, Pengeli doesn't know his age, but he could be in his late 60s. He is a lovely man who loves his family and also takes care of his farm He lost his wife in 2022 and now leads a meaningful lives, thanks to the partners.