Christ's Gift Academy (CGA) has about 270 students, from pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. There are about 100 full orphans and about 100 who have lost one parent; the rest of the students are from the community, some of whom are staff children. I have been very impressed with how much more than just a school CGA is; it is like family for these orphans! On Saturdays, teachers have special tutoring classes for those students who need extra help. Many of the orphans are housed with relatives who were already barely making ends meet, yet still took in these orphans. Therefore, for many of the students, the 2 meals they receive at CGA each day are all they have to eat for that day. In addition to feeding and educating them, the school provides a full uniform for each: shoes and socks as well as their dress or shorts and shirt, along with an attractive green sweater.
In addition, CGA's commitment to these children does not end at 8th grade graduation! For those who pass the national 8th grade exam, staff members help them apply to high schools, and CGA contributes to or pays the full fee for them to continue their high school education. I find this exceptional commitment to be so worthwhile! To me, this is what Corbett & Fikkert are talking about when they advocate that the task of helping the economically impoverished involves empowering them to gain the skills and corresponding jobs so they can work to earn sufficient money to support themselves and their dependents. It is wonderfully exciting to me to now be part of the education of these orphans... helping them along that road to equip them for sustainable employment. Several different graduates of CGA, who have completed high school, have returned to CGA, and are now volunteering their time to this school, their "family"! What great validation of the exceptional work the staff at CGA have been doing over the years!
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(Aren't they so cute!!!) The following photos are from the Assembly on Friday morning, 13 January. Each Monday and Friday starts with a whole-school assembly.
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I call this the "Color Guard" (what it was called years ago when I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout). The boys (or girls) have practiced hard to assemble, change formations and march to the flag pole to raise the flag. This is something I have not seen in the US for many years, but I see it as an important cultural event here, to help build a sense of commitment to the country of Kenya. Building national identity is important for many African countries, where tribalism not only is more important than nationalism, but causes much election and governmental corruption as well as strife and bloodshed. Therefore, I think activities which build loyalty to country contribute to reducing tribal conflicts.
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Beyond the students and the flag, you can see Lake Victoria... CGA has a beautiful view and also receives a gently cooling breeze from the lake in some spots.
My Life Here
It was 2 weeks ago today that I arrived here; the next morning the Kenyan students started a new school year, and I started my work at CGA, teaching English (4th grade) and science (5th grade)! Whew! Today, due to some staff being absent, I also taught Bible and Social Studies classes.
I have been warmly welcomed by many Africans, and 3 Americans who have been in Mbita for about 7 years. I'm so impressed with the fluency the Americans (Joe, Jessie & JP) have in speaking the native Dhuluo language! I'm living in a well-built stone house, with rustic timber built-ins, a hot plate, solar electricity and indoor plumbing (chlorinated water from Lake Victoria). With my love of nature, I love spending time on my little front porch. Sometimes it's like being in a bird sanctuary; the other morning I saw a small gazelle called a Dik Dik in my front yard! Through the leaves I see Lake Victoria; I fall asleep & waken to the rhythmic sound of breaking waves (200 feet away). I greatly value this lovely setting, for peace and renewal during this exhausting time of acclimatization... getting my body and brain adjusted to the climate, setting, and very new-to-me school setting, procedures, styles, etc. I am also learning to speak, listen and spell British-Kenyan English. There are also so many names and faces to get to know, here at SEEK, as well as at the school. I am beginning to adjust to the very dim natural light in my 4th grade classroom (no electricity) and learn those students' names; until recently, all the faces seemed to be in shadow, and therefore all looked alike! An observation: pre-dawn sounds In the cities (Nairobi and Kisumu), while it is still dark outside, plaintive music calls faithful followers of Islam to prayer; here in rural Mbita, instead of the call to prayer, I hear roosters crowing, goats bleating, and a symphony of bird songs. Photos below:
1. the beach near my home, with volcanic islands across the water
2. a 2-hour old baby goat I saw on my way home from school; it's just learning to stand.
3. My home... see the front porch on the right
4. Mary Obado and I are cutting papaya for our dessert (my kitchen)
5. My first dinner guests: Mary and Hezron
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