Before we were involved, the roof was blowing off of the building due to heavy storms. We responded by installing a new roof and gutter system, attaching it to the already existing cistern. What was exciting was the community's involvement in the roof repair--parents and teachers came together to help with the construction, showing a new level of collaboration to improve the children's place of learning.
We also more than doubled the previously understaffed faculty with teachers of our own, including Lawrence Ssemakula, a seasoned teacher, administrator, and community leader. Lawrence has been working with us for nearly a decade, and his role at St. John's is pivotal. He has taken on the majority of the educational responsibilities, including the implementation of enhanced, appropriate curriculum, and the development of the school's teachers.
The Institute for G.O.D. Int'l East Africa is our college that trains young people in theology and community development. When we were on the land, the students were performing their final oral presentations on a class called Christian Development. This school is taking applications for the fall.
These are some of the students who have finished their first year at the Institute, having completed a Genesis class and Christian Development, a course that explores concepts on the stages of maturation in human psychology and faith.
An overarching objective with everything we're involved in is to model for surrounding people alternative, replicable ways of living - from the domiciliary work to the educational endeavors - that elevate people from a place of just existing, or surviving, to a place where they are thriving. It's a privilege to be a part of this work.
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