Pangani

Community Update - Term 2, 2023

Pangani

Head Teacher’s Greeting:

Greetings from Pangani center! We are trusting God that you are well. Another amazing school term has come to a close and we want to share some of the highlights. Thank you for your support and partnership as we work together to transform lives through the love of Christ.

Bob Otieno Omolo, Head Teacher Pangani. 

 

Current Stats: 

Number of Students: 1031

Unsponsored Students: 223

 

Term Highlights:

  • All our scheduled academic calendar activities proceeded as planned, and we’re grateful for the absence of any significant disruptions. Our students successfully completed both the midterm and end-of-term tests. Throughout the term, we engaged in a variety of academic projects across different classes, spanning grades three through seven. These projects encompassed Home Science, Art and Craft, Music, and Agriculture. Under the guidance of their teachers and parents, students participated in individual and group activities. Their performance in these projects will contribute to their overall grades at the end of the school year.
  • In the realm of co-curricular activities, we remained active and engaged. We enthusiastically participated in music festival competitions, advancing from the sub county level to the regional level, and we’re excited to have some of our students moving on to the national level. Witnessing our students competently and fairly competing with schools from across the nation is a tremendous honor and blessing. This experience not only enables them to travel and explore diverse cultures but also empowers them to represent Missions of Hope International on a larger scale.
  • Our grade six students had the incredible opportunity to travel to Kilifi County for the Angaza Discovery Camp. The girls embarked on the journey first, followed by the boys. During this trip, students enjoyed the refreshing waters of the Indian Ocean and encountered various wildlife as they passed through the national park. This experience provided them with an intimate connection to the wonders of God’s creation. The camp also included impactful mentorship sessions that have brought about transformative changes in their lives.

 

Transformation Story:

Mary* comes from a family of three children, cared for by both parents. Her father works as a casual laborer, while her mother is employed in a salon. Mary’s younger brother is currently in eighth grade while Mary is in her first year of high school. Her journey hasn’t been smooth sailing. At one point, she veered off track—her character changed during her sixth-grade year. She began associating with a negative peer group, missing school without valid reasons.

Guided by a Missions of Hope International’s social worker, Mary gradually opened up about her struggles. This came after the social worker consistently received negative reports about her behavior, such as talking disrespectfully to teachers when questioned about her untidiness and frequent truancy.

Mary revealed that she had been involved in drug use, including heroin and smoking marijuana. She was associated with a group of six boys who introduced her to these substances and sometimes coerced her into participating in theft with them. These boys were dropouts from a nearby primary school. Mary shared that she would use drugs during school hours, particularly when feeling pressured or making mistakes. She described consuming drugs in the morning, often with a hot meal, which seemed to enhance their effects. Her inconsistent school attendance, untidiness, and overall behavior led to complaints from classmates and teachers alike. Predictably, her academic performance suffered.

With persistent follow-up and counseling from the social worker, Mary expressed her desire to break free from drug abuse and embrace a new life. The social worker shared the teachings from the Bible with Mary, and she made the decision to receive Christ. Thereafter, she became a member of the school’s Christian Union. Her academic performance began to improve, and she exhibited consistent attendance. Though quitting drugs was a gradual process, Mary made significant strides. She transformed into a tidy, well-mannered student.

 

Her efforts paid off, and she managed to finish her primary school education and joined high school. She is determined to succeed. Mary’s journey exemplifies the power of transformation, resilience, and faith.

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.

 

Partner Activity:

  • Equally, we’re immensely grateful for the visit from Parkview Christian Church. The team engaged our students in captivating Vacation Bible School (VBS) activities. 
  • Eastside Christian Church visited our center this summer. They gave our children dental checkups giving each of them fluoride to strengthen their teeth. They also visited homes donating mattresses and doing other home improvement projects. 

 

Prayer Request:

  •  As we gather in prayer, we pray against the spirit of sicknesses and premature death affecting our pupils, parents, and staff.
  • In addition, we express our thankfulness to God for the well-staffed center. Our prayer is for the comprehensive growth of all our learners, and we specifically thank God for good academic performance from our grade six and eight candidates as they prepare for the upcoming national tests.
  • Our hearts are full of appreciation for our learners’ participation in drama, music festivals, and ball games this year. Thank God with us for the ability to nurture their different and unique talents.

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