In a powerful act of international philanthropy, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving recently played a key role in building a new school in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a deeply underserved area that had faced disruption from armed conflict and limited access to education. With support from non-profit group The Future of Congo, Irving helped construct the facility from the ground up – complete with new classrooms, desks and furnishings – and the school was reopened to its community in December 2025.

The new school, located in Sake, North Kivu, now serves more than 600 students, restoring not only access to learning but also a sense of dignity, safety and normalcy for children who had lost so much. Irving’s involvement went beyond just funding – the project emphasized both compassion and tangible action in a part of the world that often goes overlooked.

Irving’s gesture in Congo adds to a pattern of giving back in his off-court life. He has previously supported causes around education and children’s welfare, including major donations to schools and fundraisers in West Africa that helped provide supplies and improve living conditions for students in Ghana and Nigeria.

For Irving – a nine-time NBA All-Star – the project reflects a commitment to impact that transcends basketball. While his on-court focus remains his NBA career, his investment in communities like Sake shows a dedication to creating opportunities for young people through education and support where it’s needed most.

His involvement in building a school in the Congo shines a spotlight on the positive ways elite athletes can influence global communities. The new facility not only provides a much-needed education hub for hundreds of students but also stands as a testament to Irving’s humanitarian efforts off the hardwood.