Hand in Hand Orphan Schools completed its FIFTH year. What started as 2 schools, 2 teachers and 90 orphan children has now grown to 49 schools, 49 teachers, 1 Coordinator, 2 Assistant Coordinators and 2,050 students. We have seen many blessings the past five years and are confident as we grown and learn that even greater things are yet to come.
The past two weeks all 49 teachers traveled to Bangui for Teacher Training. Under the direction of our Coordinator Boyete Emmanuel, the teachers for Level 1 and Level 2 classes receive training in phonics, math and Bible. Level 3 teachers are also instructed in History, Science and French. I’m grateful for the assistance of Heidi Sisson as we sorted through two truckloads of school supplies for the 2050 students, placing them in piles by school and class. Each teacher will collect his/her supplies in large flour sacks or empty boxes and haul them away on their heads back to their prospective villages, ready to start school on Monday.
It was fun to listen as the teachers practiced in small groups, sang the songs they will be teaching the children and laughed or giggled as they tried new things. I heard the words, “thank you” so many times as teachers signed contracts or came for photos and supplies. They have such joy and enthusiasm to be a part of the Hand in Hand schools and consider it a privilege given by God.
Please pray for the 2011-12 school year that begins October 3rd. Pray for the churches and Pastors who care for these orphans, pray for the orphan students, for our teachers, the widow ladies who make the meals each day, and especially for our 3 Coordinators who do so much traveling to follow up and encourage these 49 teachers and classes. I can’t wait to see what amazing things God will do in this coming year!
Submitted by Ginger Hock, C.A.R.-Based Director, Hand-in-Hand