Why you start a school

“My husband and I decided we should start a school.

Here in the community there are so many families who have settled who are not aware of informal education.

When I came and started off, and told them there was the chance to learn, there were more than 100 people interested.

There were so many children ready for kindergarten, but there was nowhere for them to go.

There were also adults who wanted to learn to read and write.

I see the community needs support to come together. I want to go into this settlement and help these people.”

Lucy faced many challenges in making her vision come to life.

“When I started the class, there was no place to teach. My husband and I saw the church building and thought it would be a good place to use.

At first, the church leaders said no, that it was a place for worship and not for a school, but I talked and talked with them until they agreed.

I also asked for teaching materials, but as you can see we have very little.

I could not wait for money to come to buy materials, so I decided I had to start with whatever I could find. I bought some teaching posters with my own money. The school is free.”

Lucy also collected shells and bottle-tops to use as counters.

You can see from 5 year old Samson’s smile that he doesn’t mind what resources they use, he just loves to sing!

Lucy’s vision doesn’t stop with teaching kindergarten children …

“On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I teach adults. There are more adults who could come, but because this is a public place, they do not. They are ashamed that people may see they cannot read and write.

We must perhaps have plastic or tarpaulin so we can make a tent and take school to them.”

When you ask Lucy why she gives so much to help others, she has a simple answer:

“I have a passion to help, and that is my motivation. I see there is a need, and I think I can help meet it.

I can help these children enter education. I can create a path for them.

I have a heart to serve, so this is not an effort. It is my way of giving back.

I come and give my time here, and my adult students see my effort and they tell the community they can support me.

If Jesus came here today He would be very happy I have created this place where small children can come and have a better future.”