The children haven’t been to school for the two years since they were displaced. Thanks to the advocacy of the local Hands at Work leaders and lessons learned from earlier smaller scale efforts, the children were able to return to school for the first time in September 2024. Classrooms were built at the Care Points in the Internal Displacement camps for the younger ones in Grades 1 and 2 so that they can receive extra love and care without needing to travel long distances. The older children in Grades 3 through 6 are registered to attend community school several kilometers away. The blessing of school is that it gives the children structure and purpose to each day. Without school, the children often wander throughout the camp with no protection and are more vulnerable to enter into negative behaviors.
Memory* is one of the children. She was born into a situation filled with trauma. Because of this, her mother was mentally unwell and unable to care for her. Over the years, Memory and her mum have received healing from God through the love of the Care Workers. Finally, Memory was able to go to school for the first time, which was a great blessing for her mother. Even her mother has been impacted by the Care Workers and has committed to being one herself - which has contributed to the improvement of her mental health. Praise the Lord!
Please pray that the children will attend school where they are safe and have structure and God can grow their knowledge and wisdom.