Because of the wonderful business partnerships we have developed over the last five years, all of our Institute students are now able to get a job as soon as they arrive. (And, they're really fun people to work for, like the Califarmia food truck for one.) These jobs provide an income for students, help them develop practical skills and even donate to our non-profit efforts.
At our C.A.S.E. after school program, students put both character and skills into action to serve an elderly widow in their own Hopewell neighborhood. Students planted and cultivated a garden for Ms. Palmer, who has lived in the neighborhood her since childhood.
Our C.A.S.E. program continued at two sites, both serving students from Dupont-Hadley Middle Prep. At the end of the fall semester, students showCASE-d what they'd learned for their parents. At the Dupont-Hadley site, they premiered videos they wrote, directed and filmed together.
Located in close proximity to our hub offices in the National Capital Region of India, Aquatic Public School is home to 150 precious children. Upon getting to know some of the faculty, we found an opportunity to partner with the school, offering skills from classroom management to how to get more water access to the school's facilities!
In their history class at the Academy of G.O.D., students are learning the importance of documenting history. Their final project of this semester was to create a documentary about the Academy and its first 3 years of operation. Students interviewed Principal Betsy Johnson about the school's beginnings.
We launched Center Street Dance Academy this year and taught classes to students ranging from 3-14 years of age. We value dance as a creative artistic expression that is universally practiced and we are happy to provide as an outlet for young people to develop in the art.
Junior high and high school students at the Academy for G.O.D. helped design, build and implement an aquaponics system at Hopewell Gardens. Nutrient-rich water produced by fish in the tank is transferred to assist in the growth of plant life in the garden. Watching the students take on ownership for an innovative project was truly awesome.
As a third world development agency, our emphasis is on developing people. In El Salvador, those people are the youth whom we've been teaching the Bible on a regular basis. Several times a year, we host Bible conferences for this hungry group of students. In between conferences, they are getting opportunities to serve those in need in their area, displaying faith that they can be used by God.
This December's 'Bible Talk' at our headquarters hosted about 50 participants from ages 15-72. The weekend focused on God's Word consisted of both teaching and discussion oriented around understanding God's word in such a way that we can allow it to shape our lives. It was a truly special time where we witnessed the Bible's timeless relevance touch people from every age grouping and walk of life.
We thank God for 2016. It was a fantastic year. We venture into 2017 with the faith that God is in the business of outdoing himself every time we give him a chance. So we submit ourselves again, to his goodness and direction, excited to see what this year will bring.
Happy New Year!
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