Hello from Bo, Sierra Leone.
Yesterday we celebrated with the Makeni teachers and then hit the road. The drive to Bo was a wonderful way to see the country and the various villages. We had a bit of a problem with a tire on the van, but that was fixed and we arrived at the Mission Training Center in Bo. Today after breakfast some of took a tour of the Child Rescue Center. More details in another blog entry coming soon. Thanks for continuing to pray. Sharon
From Lisa.......
They standing the dirt outside outside in in home. They cling to Mother's skirt or ride on her back. Most wore a shirt or shorts, not always both, and A few go bare. The clothes are often torn, too small, or too large. They are the children of Sierra Leone.
Families with enough money can afford a uniform for their child and send them to school. Those who can't buy a uniform can not go. But they sometimes are drawn to the school to peer in the windows or stand around on the dirt playground. Many are curious, but don't know English, so school learning is lost to them.
Children who are fortunate enough go to school, but the odds are against are still against them. A class I herein Makeni has 109 students, 1 teacher, a chalkboard, and bench seats. That is all. More than 40 students is the norm. The rooms are not secure at hight, so there are no puzzles, no charts on the wall, no books, no puzzles no learning tools. The rooms have no electricity, so no. lighting, except that which comes through windows.
Students have no books. Some can afford to have a pencil and paper, some just a pencil, and some with nothing. No provision is made for those with hearing or vision problems or with leaning differences.
At the end of class VI they take an exam. If they pass, they can go onto secondaryschool. If not, their schooling is over. They face early marriage, children of their own, they can barely feed and clothe, almost no skills and poverty.
These children of Sierra Leone are inquisitive, open and friendly. They are children of God. But for most, their future isn't bright. Lisa 6/27/13
2 comments:
Very insightful report. You are painting us a picture of what you see. I can barely imagine.
Lisa, got your email. THANKS. Keep up the great work. We are all keeping track of your journey.
God Bless,
Ryan
Such an amazing account of your experiences thus far. I loved seeing the pictures! Keep up the hard work! God Bless!
Lauren Williams
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